The Katanga Cross is a form of currency used by the Luba, Kuba, and Songye people in D.R. Congo. Copper was a choice metal due to its availability in the Katanga region.
Katanga crosses have been used for centuries 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).
Dimensions: Height: 5 1/2" x Width: 5 5/8".
Mounted on a metal base measuring 5" x 1 7/8", raising the overall height slightly to 6".
