The Currency Museum presents the history of money from Zimbo to Kwanza.
Unique in its vocation, this museum displays the numismatic and notary collections of the National Bank of Angola, there are some framing objects and audiovisual devices available that better enlighten visitors about our past. This brief itinerary aims to support the interpretation of the themes that constitute the museum's narrative.
The museography is based on thematic centers that focus on pre-monetary and other means of payment, histories of singular currencies, the iconography of money, the evolution of banking, banknote illustrations, security elements and personal testimonies about the role of money in the lives of Angolan citizens.
THE HISTORY OF THE CURRENCY:
Talking about the trajectory of the Kwanza is an authentic journey through time, with important and obligatory stops.
We started with Nzimbu, a small shell or whelk, extracted from the beaches of Luanda Island.
Most of them were collected mainly by women, the gray ones were considered of greater value.
We arrived at Libongo, a small piece of fabric of various dimensions and qualities, made from fibers of the bordão palm tree.
Salt was also one of our currencies .
This product, which came from the mines or salt pans of Quiçama, was molded into pieces of different shapes, such as stones and bars.
We are at the end of the 16th century, when Ivory begins to be used.
This new means of payment proves to be the main source of revenue from foreign trade.
At the end of this period, Copper appears.
This exchange currency has become a reference in commercial transactions, being the metal most used to manufacture everyday utensils such as knives, hoes, arrows, daggers, cups, shackles, necklaces and threads.
We approached the Cauri, a little before our trip ended, presenting itself as a white shell of rare beauty, which has been the currency for many centuries in various regions of the world.
Finally, the Accounts, objects ornaments made of seeds, aromatic roots, cylinders, ivory, pieces of bone, teeth, nails and other adornments.
It is for all this, and much more, that the History of our Currency is considered rich.
Come and discover our Currency Museum, a bastion of our History.
Source: Africa 21 Digital
Timetables:
Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 3:30pm; Queue closing times are subject to change daily, without prior notice;
To find out the times of each Museum event, consult our schedule;
Contacts:
e-mail: Museudamoeda@bna.ao Tel: +244 222 679 214 Website: http://www.museudamoeda.bna.ao/