Congolese Handa or Cross Currency

Lopsided X in olive-brown, looking like it was flattened by a very patient hammer.

This Handa or cross currency from the Kasai region is from Kasai, Katanga, Kasai River, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is metal. Katanga is a copper-rich region, and its metalworking traditions supplied crosses and other ingot forms that traveled widely in regional trade. Flat cross with long arms that spread into broad, slightly irregular paddle ends. The surface is a dusty greenish brown with rosy patches near the edges, and a short raised seam marks the crossing. It is 7.4 inches wide and 7.25 deep.

Wonky in all the right places.