A Pair of Copper Currencies: “Katanga Crosses”
Central African Copper Belt (DR Congo, Zambia or Zimbabwe)
Cast copper, archaeological patina
Size each: 12” high x 5” wide x 1/2” deep (30.5 x 12.5 x 1.5 cm)
Provenance: Dr. Austin Newton, Princeton NJ
According to Pierre de Maret in “Croisette Histories”, these forms are designated as “HXR” type as were in circulation between the 13th-17th centuries.
For further information on HX croisettes from the Upemba Basin, see de Maret in De Heusch, L. (Ed). 1995. Objects: Signs of Africa (Tervuren, Musée Royal de l’Afrique Centrale):, p. 13.
Displayed on custom-made metal bases, as shown in one photo.
Available individually: $1,800. each
