Mbole Copper Anklet Currency

You could tell its worth by lifting it. Across Central Africa, massive copper rings were worn as anklets and kept as a store of wealth, and their weight alone spoke to their value.

This one comes from the Mbole peoples of the Democratic Republic of Congo, 20th century. Nine inches long, it is a broad, open ring with a rounded outer surface and flat, squared ends that nearly meet. The copper is warm and brown in tone, with fine scratches, hammer marks and small spots of green patina. It was used in exchange and in bridewealth.

Walk around it. The form holds from every side.