KATANGA : South Congo-Kinshasa (Katanga) Zambia XVIIth-XVIII - Lot 449

Lot n° 449
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Result : 380EUR
KATANGA : South Congo-Kinshasa (Katanga) Zambia XVIIth-XVIII - Lot 449
KATANGA : South Congo-Kinshasa (Katanga) Zambia XVIIth-XVIIIth centuries of the Luba and Yeké peoples (peoples of Katanga), the Kuba and the Songye. Copper cross. (13,5 cm x 5 cm) Oxidized. Beautiful green patina T.B. A copper "cross" inlaid in a soft stone cube with two impressions, probably the mold (3 cm x 1.8 cm x 1 cm). The copper crosses come from ancient Katanga (Shaba). The first to report these crosses and braces were the Portuguese who came into contact with the Lunda around 1650. They were used as a means of payment, had the same value as ivory, and were not only used as currency but were also considered a sign of power and prestige. They were often buried with their owner. The small crosses were made of copper extracted from malachite by members of a secret society called Bangwa or "copper eaters. The crosses were cast directly into the sand, hence the irregularities on the surface. The first copper crosses date from the 13th century and were discovered in tombs in southern Katanga. They have different dimensions. Some examples of the value of this currency: for a single Shaba cross, one could obtain about ten kilos of cassava flour or five chickens. These crosses were used to pay for goats, axe or hoe shoes. For 15 crosses, you could pay the dowry of a young wife !!!!.
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