Kasena Armband, Ghana

Fine pitting and small flecks. Granite, polished, still shows its crystals.

This stone armband, made by the Kasena peoples of northern Ghana, is of indeterminate age. Rings like it were ground and polished by hand, slow work that made them valued ornaments and markers of status. About three and six-tenths inches across, with a rounded profile half an inch deep.

The stone is nearly black, softly polished. The ring is not perfectly round, a reminder of its handmade origin, and the inner edge is smoothed from wear.

Imperfect. On purpose, or near enough.