Abstract/Summary

Archaeological studies of money typically focus on its initial emergence and mature development. This study examines the denouement of a commodity money and the economic, social, and political implications of the transition from a money to a commodity role. Previous studies of money emphasize that it is socially constructed, shapes markets, and is historically contingent. Geographic and chronological variability of money systems is well supported archaeologically. This paper examines archaeologically observable evidence of two case studies: (1) marale copper ingots in Southern Africa and (2) cacao in Mesoamerica. Despite chronological and geographic variability in the nature and uses of money, these case studies indicate important common trends in demonetization that are attempts to usurp the political, fiscal, and social power of money.