Bar Currency: Explore Collections: Windows to the World: Digital Artifacts for Global Educators: Indiana University Bloomington

Bar Currency

This is a type of metal money called "bar currency," from the Matakam culture in Cameroon. Early currency was typically made of a metal, like gold, silver, or copper. Different areas had different styles of currency that reflected the community’s culture. This remains true in the modern world, with different countries having different forms of currency that reflect their culture, such as the US dollar’s depiction of American symbols and figures. Some styles of currency also were considered more valuable based on their design. For example, this bar currency was considered more valuable because the spirals on either side of the bar required a skilled metalsmith.

An iron form including a straight bar with two symmetrical coil shapes on either end of the bar.

The bills, coins, and cards we use today to buy and sell things are modern versions of the bar currency shown in the photo. As trade increased, people began to realize a need for currency, a medium for exchange. Before currency was invented, people used the barter system where they would trade one good for another good. The barter system was difficult for people because it required both parties to want the good the other party had. By introducing money, there was a third good that both parties wanted. Currency was invented to help people exchange goods easier, expand trade with outside communities, and create an uniformed way to represent wealth. The invention of currency supported trade by allowing people to carry their wealth in their pocket in amounts that were easier to divide. For example, consider how much easier it is to carry $2 than a gallon of milk or $1000 instead of a whole cow.

As elsewhere in the world, today in the modern nation state of Cameroon, paper currency and coinage are used. Additionally, individuals use electronic and digital banking systems accessible through their cell phones.

Bar Currency Activity Guide

Teacher-Made Bar Currency Lesson Plan- Kindergarten Social Studies

Teacher-Made Bar Currency Lesson Plan- 2nd Grade Social Studies

Resources

Resource 1

Bar currency doesn’t always come in the form of bars. The ancient Sarmatians formed their money in the likeness of dolphins, people from the Zhou Dynasty in China made their money in the shape of shovels, and the people of 19th and 20th century Katanga formed their money in heavy, kilogram copper crosses.

Katanga is the southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its name comes from the Swahili word for copper and is rich in precious metals and minerals. It has been the mining hub of the region for centuries.

Although the Katanga’s money had been standardized into the circular coins in the 20th century, the legacy of the Katanga cross was strong. It was featured on their coinage, stamps, airline, and their flag.

Resource 2

Ngelima Currency

Bar Currency- Money Museum

Here are some other examples of bar currency from other cultures. Notice how they all have different unique designs to help tell them apart.

Resource 3

Goldweight- Eskenazi Art Museum

Here is another example of intricate African metalwork, in this gold weight from Ghana. This weight is shaped like a type of native fish.

Bar Currency

Resource 1

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