Katanga Cross - Congo - Sold

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EVERYTHING FROM SEASHELLS TO SALT FUNCTIONED AS A MEDIUM OF EXCHANGE IN AFRICA, BUT THE USE OF METAL WAS PARTICULARLY WIDE-SPREAD. METALS WERE IMPORTANT IN TRANSACTIONS TO COMPLETE SOCIAL CONTRACTS. THESE COPPER INGOTS, SOMETIMES CALLED KATANGA CROSSES, SERVED FOR CENTURIES AS SIGNS OF WEALTH & STANDARDS OF VALUE. THEY FORMED PART OF THE BRIDE PRICE PAYMENTS & HAD TO BE RETURNED TO THE BRIDE'S FAMILY IF THE MARRIAGE FAILED. IT IS SAID THAT IN 1910, ALONG THE KASAI RIVER IN ZAIRE, 1 SUCH CROSS WOULD BUY 5 OR 6 CHICKENS, 2 LENGTHS OF CLOTH, 3 OR 4 KILOGRAMS OF RUBBER, OR 6 AXES. CAST IN SAND MOULDS, THESE INGOTS HAVE A ROUGH FINISH.

7" X 6.5"