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THBLate 19th C. Congolese Copper Katanga Cross Currency
Lot 71c
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$600 - $900
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| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Jan 30, 2020
Set Reminder
2020-01-30 10:00:00
2020-01-30 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Pre-Columbian | Tribal | Ethnographic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/pre-columbian-tribal-ethnographic-4830
Featuring ancient and ethnographic art from around the world, including Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Ethnographic, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Fine Art, much more. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Featuring ancient and ethnographic art from around the world, including Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Ethnographic, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Fine Art, much more. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (366)
- Lot Description
Africa, Southeast Region of Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), Kasai River region, Katanga, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A classic cast copper X-shaped ingot referred to as a Katanga Cross, also called a handa, from the rich copper mining region of Katanga in the southeastern area of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) along the Kasai River. Over the course of several centuries, such crosses have served as currency and exchange in several Central African societies. The peoples of the Congo valued non-ferrous metals - copper, lead, and tin - quite highly, almost as valuable as precious ivory. Katanga Crosses signified wealth and status and were used as dowry payments and in trade. Size: 6.5" W x 6.25" H (16.5 cm x 15.9 cm); 7.75" H (19.7 cm) on included custom stand.
According to experts, in the early 20th century, one cross might be exchanged for a half dozen chickens, eight pounds of rubber, two lengths of fabric, or six axes. Beyond this, they have been discovered in burial sites and thus are commonly associated with funerary rituals. Ingots have also appeared in different shapes, have been known to weigh anywhere from around one half pound to some two and half pounds, and have demonstrated a range of craftmanship and artistry, depending on which kingdoms or chieftainships created them. These differences have made it possible to determine the extent of the various kingdoms more precisely.
Provenance: private Glendale, Arizona, USA collection, collected from 1970 to 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#152393Minor surface wear. Some residue from old labels on peripheries as shown. Overall intact and excellent. Copper has developed a beautiful patina.Condition
- Shipping Info
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