H x W x D: 26.7 x 19.1 x 1 cm (10 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 3/8 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
19th-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 cast. Shrink ripples create a wave-like pattern on the front and a raised vein bisecting the center crossing is left from the mold on the back. Largest of three like objects in this donation.
Provenance:
Tom Joyce, Santa Fe, 1986 to 2002
Exhibition History:
Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 4, 2017-ongoing
Content Statement:
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