Copper was a choice metal due to its availability in the Katanga region. Katanga crosses have been used for centuries as a form of wealth used in trade and dowry payments. One cross = 5-6 chickens, 2 lengths of cloth, or 6 small axes. Four to six crosses = 1 goat. Fourteen crosses = bride dowry (the crosses had to be returned to the brideís family if the marriage failed).
Title: Katanga Cross Currency
Material: Copper
People: Luba, Kuba & Songye Peoples
Country: D.R. Congo
Copper was a choice metal due to its availability in the Katanga region. Katanga crosses have been used for centuries as a form of wealth used in trade and dowry payments. One cross = 5-6 chickens, 2 lengths of cloth, or 6 small axes. Four to six crosses = 1 goat. Fourteen crosses = bride dowry (the crosses had to be returned to the brideís family if the marriage failed).
7.5" h x 5.75" w, on a 5.5" x 2" base.
