Wood replaces money in Mexican village

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The global financial crisis is prompting people to tighten their belts everywhere, and some in Mexico have turned their backs on money altogether in favor of other currencies -- wood, to be precise.

No money or credit cards change hands at the Santiago Tianguistenco market, about 60 miles from Mexico City; instead, only pieces of wood are bartered for food, soap, clothes and toys, AFP reports.

The wooden currency has different values. Sticks must be as long as three hands and as wide as a fist, and at least two are needed for an exchange. A bundle of sticks about three feet long is enough to obtain a week’s worth food for three people, the report says.

-- Deborah Bonello in Mexico City