Mbole Copper Anklet Currency

Oxidized into a landscape of mint, slate and rust.

This anklet currency was made by the Mbole of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, in copper in the 20th century. Copper rings of this shape often functioned as money and as a visible store of family wealth. The rounded body is broad and massive, and the angled ends of the slot lean away from each other. A mottled patina spreads across the metal in grays, blue greens and darker brown, with raised bumps along the outer curve.

About 8 inches across and 6 deep. It has the weathered authority of a river stone.