Perles et tissus. Les instruments monétaires au Katanga

Abstract

In the late 19th century, Luba Katanga (Democratic Republic of Congo) used glass beads as currency. These exotic objects, manufactured in Europe, spread out via the interregional trade, together with other objects, sometimes used elsewhere as currency, such as raffia fabrics. We will examine the various uses of Luba beads, which were part of a complex system, like elsewhere in Central Africa. Separated into different categories, they were used for commercial exchanges, social uses (bridewealth) and decorative and symbolic uses.

Keywords

• Luba
• currency
• glass beads
• rafia cloth
• spheres of exchange