Mbole Copper Anklet Currency

Speckled and sturdy, with a skin like a toasted loaf.

This copper anklet currency is the work of Mbole artisans in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Rings of this kind are commonly associated with the storage and exchange of wealth. The shoulder is full and rounded, and a narrow slot opens at the bottom. Fine incised crosshatching covers much of the dark olive surface, which is flecked with lighter pitting and a hint of green near the cut ends.

About 9 inches by 5. Quietly detailed, and happy to be looked at twice.