On Shells, Bikie (iron currencies), Keith Hart and Jane Guyer

As discussed in class, I'm posting a link to the transactions website. I want to draw your attention to two entries that speak to topics that relate to these last two weeks' readings:

1.  Keith Hart's description and discussion of the kina shells necklace (not to be confused with the kula shells!) circulating as currency in Africa. The discussion moves from the shells to Mauss so it connect with many of our discussions on Mauss.

2. (you'll have to scroll down to find this) Jane Guyer's discussion of "The iron currencies of Southern Cameroon" regarding her discovery through museum objects, archives and ethnographic work of the bikie (iron rods), pre-colonial currencies in circulation in south Cameroon before colonial currencies were introduced/imposed. The background she provides here helps to further explain the discussion of multiplicity of currencies in Atlantic Africa.