From money to commodity: comparative case studies in demonetization

Sampeck, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5839-8662 and Chirikure, S. (2023) From money to commodity: comparative case studies in demonetization. World Archaeology, 55 (5). pp. 540-561. ISSN 1470-1375 doi: 10.1080/00438243.2025.2462286

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.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/122796
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/00438243.2025.2462286
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science > Department of Archaeology
Uncontrolled Keywords	Alternative currencies, currency circuits, Africa, copper ingots, Mesoamerica, cacao
Publisher	Taylor and Francis
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item