Attie Bronze Bracelet Currency

Heavy, cast, and worn on the body. In parts of West Africa, a bracelet could be a bank.

This Ivory Coast bronze, 20th century, is the sort of cast ring that served as currency and as visible wealth, worn or set aside for payments such as bridewealth. A thick, open ring, the outer face covered in a raised diamond lattice. Three rounded knobs project from the top and both sides, each finely pebbled. A coppery tone shows through the olive-brown patina along the inner edges. Nearly six inches across, shown upright on a black stand.

A very solid piece of jewelry. Please do not try to wear it to dinner.