Mbole Copper Anklet Currency, Based

Dark as a lump of old coal, and nearly as dense.

This copper anklet currency comes from the Mbole of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Rings of this form are associated with wealth and exchange across the region. The profile is a full, rounded band that tapers toward a narrow slot, the ends meeting in clean, flat cuts. The metal has deepened to a smooth gunmetal brown.

About 6 inches by 9. Set it upright and it becomes a very quiet sculpture.