New Discoveries of Malacca Tin Money
Early 15th century, we found that ingots currency produced were originated from Malay Peninsula. First tin pagoda or pyramid shaped ingots appeared in Selangor, Perak, Pahang, to lesser degree, Kedah and Perlis.
Another shapes of money were developing as well, besides of varieties of primitively formed tin ingots, various animal shaped ingots appeared in early 15th, or much earlier than 14th century, in quite a rough workmanship.
The form of animal shaped ingots was originated both, from Hindu (e.g elephant) and from China (e.g. tortoise), it also carried the religious value, some called it “magic money”. It was very common practice for Chinese customs by making an animal sacrifice before indulging in the customary celebration. Animal shape were widely produced in Perak. A variety of ingots formed on pagoda and pyramid series in Pahang.
In fact, the first primitive form of native money appeared in Malay Peninsula, Kra Istgmus Hindu Kingdom of Kalah in early 8th century….Southern Indochina and Malay Archipelago were under strong influence of India, where we all can witness it the flat coinage of this region. Chinese presence in this region, Chinese ingots also came into circulation and developed new form of ingot currency.
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