Rare Currency Exhibition Opens at University of Ibadan’s African Art Museum

The University of Ibadan’s Cornelius Adepegba Museum of African Art has opened a rare currency exhibition, showcasing a collection spanning over 30 years.

The display, titled “An Exhibition of Dele T. Fawole Numismatic Collection,” showcases historical notes and coins from various countries, including items that reflect significant economic changes, such as redenominations and currency devaluations.

Dele Fawole, the collector and exhibitor, shared that his passion for collecting currencies began during his travels, with over 80 per cent of the collection being gathered personally.

The idea to make the collection public came from Professor Ohioma Pogoson, the museum’s honorary curator.

Fawole likened his currency albums to family photo albums, explaining that Prof. Pogoson encouraged him to turn his private collection into a public exhibition.

The exhibition received strong support from the Institute of African Studies, which Fawole praised as instrumental in bringing the project to life.

For Prof. Pogoson, curating this exhibition was a new experience, especially dealing with items that are both flat and three-dimensional.

He noted the challenges in funding and display logistics but described the final result as rewarding.

The curator pointed out that currencies carry more than just economic value; they also tell stories of art, culture, and history.

Many currency designs are works of art created by national artists, reflecting the identity and heritage of their countries.

The exhibition holds educational importance, especially for students and younger visitors, some of whom have never seen certain currencies, such as high-value Zimbabwean notes or the Biafran currency from the Nigerian Civil War era.

Professor Sola Olorunyomi, Director of the Institute of African Studies, described the exhibition as a multidisciplinary event that attracted interest from political scientists, artists, architects, and students.

He said the exhibit blends history, politics, art, and education, fulfilling the institute’s mission. Olorunyomi stated that the most popular pieces included the 50 billion Zimbabwean dollar note and the Biafran currency, both symbols of significant historical events.

He also revealed that the exhibition marked the opening of a new salon space in the museum, which will improve public engagement and promote African studies through innovative displays.

Professor Senayon Olaoluwa of the Institute commended the exhibition’s dynamic nature, noting its progression from bronze and metal works to numismatic collections, with an Industrial Arts Exhibition planned for the future.

The exhibition is currently open at the University of Ibadan’s Cornelius Adepegba Museum of African Art.