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Catalog Data

Maker:
Undetermined artist  Search this
Medium:
Copper alloy
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 21.4 x 18.4 x 1.3 cm (8 7/16 x 7 1/4 x 1/2 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Katanga region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Late 19th-early 20th century
Label Text:
Few sites in Africa yielded as large a supply of copper ore as the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Due to its scarcity, the "red" metal was associated with kings, leadership and wealth, all important factors in its use as currency. While unrefined lumps of copper were used as currency because it was fairly easy to standardize their size and value, the copper currency that required refined casting techniques and possessed artistic value were the ingots shaped as crosses (handa).
By 1400 A.D. two distinctive types had developed; the first was shaped like an "H"; the other was formed like an "X." Thanks to archaeological excavations, it is possible to observe an evolution of function over a long period of time. In the 14th century crosses tied to the deceased's chest were found in burial sites, suggesting their use as insignia of wealth and prestige. In the 16th and 17th centuries the crosses were still found in burial sites, but they were piled up near the hands or waist of the deceased. Reports suggest that the crosses had by this time also acquired the function of exchange. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Katanga crosses had become symbols of power among local kingdoms that were competing for control over sources of copper. The crosses remained an important part of identity in the region, and by 1960 they were introduced as part of the national emblem. Since then they have appeared on the only three coins ever minted by the Banque Nationale du Katanga.
Such crosses were cast directly on the ground in many sizes. The typical size was nine and a half inches across and weighed up to four pounds. Archaeological research has also revealed that the larger crosses were made first. Smaller ones were created as demand for their use in commerce rose. They were accepted as trade items throughout central Africa and their exchange value varied by period, region and context (whether used for political, social or commercial purposes). Their value, however, was standardized within smaller geographical regions. The further from their source of production, the more valuable the crosses became. They also served as a source of copper to be reused in jewelry as well as for making other currency.
Description:
X-form copper alloy ingot, puddle or sand cast, with a short rim on the center crossing.
Provenance:
African trader, New York, -- to 1995-1997
Jean and Noble Endicott, New York, 1995-1997 to 2000
Exhibition History:
From Slavery to Freedom, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, July 2004-October 2007
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
Topic:
Status  Search this
male  Search this
Trade  Search this
Currency  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift of Drs. Jean and Noble Endicott
Object number:
2000-28-1
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source:
National Museum of African Art
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7aa751f14-bac7-41b0-a9e6-f4795945d9ab
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_2000-28-1