KATANGA CROSS, old Congolese currency of red copper, DR Congo

Commonly referred to as a Katanga cross, this X-shaped object of cast copper comes from Katanga, a rich mining area in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) along the Kasai River. It is the classic currency associated with the region and probably the best known form of African tribal currency. For centuries these crosses served as indications of wealth and were used for paying dowries and for trade. Since they have been found in cemeteries, they have also been associated with funeral rituals. The most common forms of traditional money in Africa were made of metal, forged or cast - which had the great advantage of storing wealth in a form that could be melted down and turned into a tool or weapon when needed. Try to do that with a share certificate! The Congolese saw the non-ferrous metals - copper, lead and tin - as very precious materials. Items made of these metals were a widespread medium of exchange and important in the conclusion of social contracts, such as marriage. In the early 1900s, a cross could buy five to six chickens, two pieces of good cloth, eight to nine pounds of rubber, or six axes. The Katanga region declared its independence from the DRC shortly after Belgium declared the region independent in 1960. In 1961, Katanga issued its first coins, one and five Franc pieces of copper for circulation. A gold version of the five franc coin was also issued as a non-circulating commemorative coin. As a tribute to the region's heritage, the coins depict the Katanga cross. After two years of fighting, Katanga was forcibly reunited with the DRC in 1963. source: Hamill gallery

This is a fine example of a Katanga cross. See the pictures!

Dimensions: 20.2 cm x 20.8 cm
Weight: 746 grams
Date: 1st half of the 20th century
Material: copper
Origin: DR Congo
Provenance: Obtained from a Flemish private collection