Congolese Handa or Cross Currency

Fat copper X, the kind of cross that really means it.

This handa or cross currency is from Kasai, Katanga, Kasai River, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. It is metal. Many traditional African currencies took the form of useful or valuable metal objects, such as hoe blades, rods and crosses, whose shape often pointed to a region of origin. Large X-shaped form with four stout arms, flared slightly at the ends. The surface is rough and uneven in brown and rust tones, with specks of reddish copper color showing through. The center is flat and slightly raised. It is 6 inches wide and 8 deep.

Simple geometry, uncomplicated charm, and a fine tan.