GJPaw Auctions is very pleased to offer an authentic copper Handa Cross from the Katanga people, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa. The name derives from Katanga, a rich copper mining region in the south-eastern portion of the DRC. This form of currency known as the Katanga Cross can be traced back to the 11^th-14^th Century A.D. Various examples were excavated from tombs in the region of Upemba and the valleys of the upper courses of the Zambesi. They were also found in the south-east region of Zaire (now the Republic of Congo). These pieces of currency were typically made of copper that came from malachite deposits. These X-shaped ingots were cast by local coppersmiths by pouring molten copper into sand molds. The size varies as the value of the currency does. Typically, with 3 Katanga Crosses, one could buy a goat, and 4 to 5 one could buy a cow. The currency was found all over the Shaba region but was well-known and used as currency all over equatorial Africa all the way to the Angola Coast. This superb piece measures 6 inches in width by 8 inches in depth (16.5 cm by 20.3 cm). It also comes with a specially designed, hand-made, museum stand. It is generally in very good condition and shows wear consistent to a dating from the late-19th century, including surface scratches, rubbing and patina color variation. A superb collector’s piece, it would make a fine addition to any collection of African art.