KATANGA CROSSES

These copper crosses are named after the Katanga region, a rich copper mining area in southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are also known as 'handa.  The crosses have equal arms and are usually between seven and nine inches across, weighing about two pounds.  Their uneven surface comes from using sand molds to cast the cross-shaped ingots.

The peoples of the Congo highly valued non-ferrous metals including copper. In Katanga, in the 13^th and 14^th centuries, copper crosses of various sizes were associated with funerary rituals and were buried with the deceased alongside cowrie shells and glass beads, all symbols of wealth.  In the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, Katanga crosses like these were used as currency in everyday trading across Central Africa. They were commonly used for dowry payments because they were unlikely to lose their value over time.
Democratic republic of Congo

Price:  €  275 till €  175,-