Ethiopian Brass Bracelet Currency

Before banks, a bracelet.

Across much of Africa, metal ornaments were valued both for adornment and as portable wealth that could be traded or exchanged. This heavy brass cuff from Ethiopia, made in the 20th century, was once used as currency. Wide and open, about three and a quarter inches across. Its outer face is divided into panels of incised decoration: groups of horizontal ribs with fine hatching, columns of stacked chevrons, a crosshatched band, vertical lines of tiny beading.

The brass has a warm golden tone, softened by age, with reddish spots and darker deposits in the recesses.

It has a satisfying weight in the hand. Try wearing it to dinner.