Koma Stone Armband, Ghana

Photographed on its side, this chunky ring shows a crackled, speckled top.

This granite armband is Koma, from Northern Ghana, West Africa. Armbands and bracelets have been worn in many parts of West Africa as markers of status, age or belonging, and they are made from ivory, metal and stone. A low, thick band with a gently domed outer edge and a mottled dark-green and brown surface. The top has a speckled texture, and the interior looks smooth, a little glossy and dark. It is 4 inches wide, 4 deep and 0.75 high.

A stout little hoop with texture to spare.