Kissi Curency - Liberia - Sold

Price: $0.00


 


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 BRIDEWEALTH 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.

This piece is a grouping of 5 pieces of Kissi currency from Liberia. The tallest piece measures 14" high. As a group, the piece is 6" wide.