Africa, Southeast Region of Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), Kasai River region, Katanga, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A classic cast copper X-shaped ingot referred to as a Katanga Cross, also called a handa, from the rich copper mining region of Katanga in the southeastern area of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) along the Kasai River. Over the course of several centuries, such crosses have served as currency and exchange in several Central African societies. The peoples of the Congo valued non-ferrous metals - copper, lead, and tin - quite highly, almost as valuable as precious ivory. Katanga Crosses signified wealth and status and were used as dowry payments and in trade. According to experts, in the early 20th century, one cross might be exchanged for a half dozen chickens, eight pounds of rubber, two lengths of fabric, or six axes. Beyond this, they have been discovered in burial sites and thus are commonly associated with funerary rituals. Ingots have also appeared in different shapes, have been known to weigh anywhere from around one half pound to some two and half pounds, and have demonstrated a range of craftsmanship and artistry, depending on which kingdoms or chieftainships created them. These differences have made it possible to determine the extent of the various kingdoms more precisely. A superb example on a custom, museum-quality stand. Size: 7" W x 8.75" H (17.8 cm x 22.2 cm)

Provenance: Ex-private midwestern USA collector

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#113992

Minor scratches on back and nearly invisible nick to one end. Otherwise intact and excellent.