Lobi Bronze Bracelet Currency

Hard cash, heavy, and worn on the arm.

Across West Africa, metal rings and bangles served as stores of wealth and units of exchange, worn on the body or set aside for bridewealth and other important payments. This heavy open bracelet was cast in bronze by the Lobi of Burkina Faso in the 20th century to circulate as currency. About two and a half inches across, the thick rounded band is incised with fine diagonal hatching that runs its full length like twisted cord, ending in two squared block-like terminals.

The patina is chocolate brown, lighter metal showing in the grooves. Long handling, you can tell. Nobody leaves a coin alone.