Attie Bronze Bracelet Currency

Rope borders, ladders and half-moons, all cast into a cuff with the gap left wide open.

This bracelet currency is Attie, from Akoupe village in Ivory Coast, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze and alloy. Across West Africa, cast metal bracelets and manillas long served as stores of value and means of exchange, worn on the body as well as traded. The cuff is a thick open band, waisted at the middle and flaring toward each edge. Twisted rope lines circle it, crossed by vertical panels of ladder-like hatching capped with arcs. A dark brown patina covers the surface. It is 4.1 inches wide and 4 high.

Small change, provided one has strong wrists.