Salt currency. Block of salt broken into three pieces and tied together with a leaf, Ethiopia

Salt currency. Block of salt broken into three pieces and tied together with a leaf, Ethiopia

Ethiopia

Height: 6.60 centimetres (part 1 + 2)
Height: 9.10 centimetres (part 3)
Width: 20.30 centimetres (part 1 + 2)
Width: 13.10 centimetres (part 3)
Depth: 6.40 centimetres (part 1 + 2)
Depth: 6.40 centimetres (part 3)

Salt currency was one of the most accepted forms of exchange in Ethiopia. There are numerous records that illustrate that salt was often prefered than any other form of payment. Salt bars were used for barter, as small change, but they were also legal tender for taxes or fines.