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AKatanga cross (French:croisette du Katanga), also called ahanda, is acastcopperingot in the shape of an equal-armed cross which was once used as a form ofcurrency in parts of what is now theDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Katanga crosses were made in various sizes, typically about 20 centimetres (7.9 in) across, and weighing about 1 kilogram (2.2 lb). The name derives fromKatanga, a rich copper mining region in the south-eastern portion of the DRC.[1]
These X-shapedingots were cast by local coppersmiths by pouring molten copper intosand molds.[1]
During its period of currency, a Katanga cross would buy about 10 kilograms (22 lb) of flour, five or sixfowls, or sixaxes. Ten would buy a gun.[1]
In 1960, Katanga unilaterally seceded from the newly independentCongo-Léopoldville and declared its own independence as theState of Katanga. The Katanga state used the cross as a national symbol; three red katanga crosses appeared in the lower hoist of its flag. Coins issued by Katanga in 1961 also depicted the Katanga Cross. The State of Katanga was forcibly reunited with the Congo in 1963.[1]
