Katanga Cross Currency Copper Alloy Congo MATTER COLLECTION

The Katanga Cross, also known as a handa, held a unique role as a copper ingot shaped like an equal-armed cross, serving as a currency in specific regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Crafted in the prosperous copper mining region of Katanga, these crosses, around 20 centimeters in size and weighing about 1 kilogram, were significant in trade, representing values such as flour, fowls, or axes. In 1960, amid political shifts, Katanga declared secession and adopted the Katanga Cross as a national symbol, featured on its flag and coins. Despite the reunification with the Congo in 1963, the Katanga Cross endures as a historical and cultural icon.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much. 

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