Trading In Zimbabwe (And Africa) Before Money

1. Cattle

Cattle (especially oxen and cows) were perhaps the most common form of wealth and trade currency in pre-colonial Zimbabwean societies, including the Shona and Ndebele. Cattle were valued for their meat, milk, skins, and as a symbol of wealth and social status. They were used in ceremonies, marriage negotiations, and as a medium of exchange.

2. Gold Dust and Nuggets

Gold had been mined and traded in Zimbabwe long before the arrival of Europeans, particularly around the Great Zimbabwe region (the center of the Great Zimbabwe Kingdom, which flourished from the 11th to 15th centuries). Gold dust and small gold nuggets were used as a form of currency in trade, especially in the central and southern parts of Zimbabwe. The area was historically known for its gold production, and gold was traded with Arab and later Portuguese traders.

3. Iron and Copper Ingots

Iron and copper ingots, also known as shona money or kwaya in some areas, were used as a form of currency in certain regions of Zimbabwe. These metal ingots were shaped into small bars or pieces and were used in trading, particularly in the pre-colonial period before European coinage was introduced.

4. Beads and Cowrie Shells

In some parts of Zimbabwe, especially in trading with neighboring regions or in more coastal areas where international trade was active, beads (often glass or clay) and cowrie shells were used as mediums of exchange. These were commonly traded with coastal communities and other African kingdoms.

5. Salt

Salt was another valuable commodity used as a form of currency, particularly in areas where it was scarce. Salt was traded widely, especially for agricultural purposes, and in some regions, it was a key item in trade networks, alongside other goods such as grain or ivory.

6. Grain

Grain, particularly millet and sorghum, was another form of exchange. Agricultural produce was often traded between villages and regions, and grain played an important role in local economies.

7. Ivory

Ivory (from elephants) was used as a currency and trade item, especially in areas that were part of the larger Indian Ocean trade routes. Zimbabwe was part of a broader trading network, and ivory was highly valued in trade with Arab traders.

Trading In Zimbabwe (And Africa) Before Money

1. Cattle

Cattle (especially oxen and cows) were perhaps the most common form of wealth and trade currency in pre-colonial Zimbabwean societies, including the Shona and Ndebele. Cattle were valued for their meat, milk, skins, and as a symbol of wealth and social status. They were used in ceremonies, marriage negotiations, and as a medium of exchange.

2. Gold Dust and Nuggets

Gold had been mined and traded in Zimbabwe long before the arrival of Europeans, particularly around the Great Zimbabwe region (the center of the Great Zimbabwe Kingdom, which flourished from the 11th to 15th centuries). Gold dust and small gold nuggets were used as a form of currency in trade, especially in the central and southern parts of Zimbabwe. The area was historically known for its gold production, and gold was traded with Arab and later Portuguese traders.

3. Iron and Copper Ingots

Iron and copper ingots, also known as shona money or kwaya in some areas, were used as a form of currency in certain regions of Zimbabwe. These metal ingots were shaped into small bars or pieces and were used in trading, particularly in the pre-colonial period before European coinage was introduced.

4. Beads and Cowrie Shells

In some parts of Zimbabwe, especially in trading with neighboring regions or in more coastal areas where international trade was active, beads (often glass or clay) and cowrie shells were used as mediums of exchange. These were commonly traded with coastal communities and other African kingdoms.

5. Salt

Salt was another valuable commodity used as a form of currency, particularly in areas where it was scarce. Salt was traded widely, especially for agricultural purposes, and in some regions, it was a key item in trade networks, alongside other goods such as grain or ivory.

6. Grain

Grain, particularly millet and sorghum, was another form of exchange. Agricultural produce was often traded between villages and regions, and grain played an important role in local economies.

7. Ivory

Ivory (from elephants) was used as a currency and trade item, especially in areas that were part of the larger Indian Ocean trade routes. Zimbabwe was part of a broader trading network, and ivory was highly valued in trade with Arab traders.