X-shaped ingot
Katanga region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Copper alloy
H. 21.5 cm (8 7/16 in.)
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Henry II
Kantanga crosses like this large one were used in about 1600 in central Africa to purchase slaves and as bride price. They were cast by digging a mold in the sand and pouring the molten metal into it. About 20 ingots were made from a single mold.