Angola/Katanga â Portugal "CRUZETA" ["Cross-shape"]
CRUZETA [Cross-shape] â KatangaComposition: Copper. Issuing mint: CongoWeight: 840gDiameter: 22.3cm x 19.2cmPlease note: In the 18th century, in some parts of northern Angola, pieces of iron and copper in the shape of an "X" were circulated, as a crude imitation of the "ten reis" in Roman lettering on the ancient coins of D. Pedro II. However, the "cruzeta"("cross-shaped") cut is identical to the "windmill sail"-shaped "handa", said to originate from Katanga and Lunda. Contemporary Portuguese writers do not mention "cruzetas" in this region, but encountered the "manilha" ("shackle") or "ongondo" in abundance. The manufacture of the "cruzeta" from the Zambezi river basin undoubtedly predates those Portuguese coins brought to Angola in . The first mention of "St. Andrew's Crosses" in the form of "windmill sails" is found in an account written by D. Ălvaro Vaz de Almeida in . He reported that AntĂłnio Fernandes had seen the natives of the Ambar region (close to Monomotapa) sell these objects, made of copper originating "from the rivers of Manicongo, in Rhodesia".The "cruzetas" were cast in two basic designs: the regular "X" from the Luba and Calunda cultures, and the larger "St. Andrew's Crosses" from the Monomotapa culture, "typical of the Manicongo mines" - an apparent reference to the "rivers" mentioned by the 16th century Fernandes. The regular "cruzetas" are those represented on the and 5 franc coins from Katanga, similar to the specimens encountered in that region and also in Lunda; the so-called "handas" of the "windmill sail" kind. Some of this second type have been found, more carefully made with an edge and trapezoidal section, on the banks of theMpofu River, Zimbabwe; apparent precursors to the "cruzetas" of Katanga. Regular "cruzetas" attained 30cm in breadth and weighed up to grams. They represented the price of a slave. More recently, among the Baluba people, the object was given in exchange for a wife.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________Please carefully assess the coin's condition. Decide accordingly.All coins are photographed under natural sunlight in order to convey the best and most realistic image possible.All items are guaranteed authentic in accordance with their description." All items purchased will be sent to the winning bidder via CTT registered post.When the buyer expressly consents to the shipping of items without insurance, he or she bears all risks of loss or damage to such items.It is always possible to bundle several items together to be sent in one order, in which case there will be only one shipping charge.Should you need additional information, please submit your query before bidding on your item of interest. Read More