BABUNDA CURRENCY, DRC

This unusual currency from the Idiofa region of the Democratic Republic of Congo is woven from raffia and then rolled into bundles with braided ends. Although very similar, there are subtle differences in the thickness of the rolls, the length and the symmetry of the braids. Some are lighter or darker in color. We have seen them bundled in groups of 4-8, but all of ours are single pieces.

Most of these raffia currencies are probably authentic, but they show no evidence of age or use. Though cloth was valued throughout Africa, only new and unused cloth was accepted as money.