Nigerian Bronze Crescent Currency

Black as a cast-iron skillet, and almost as sturdy.

This crescent currency from Nigeria, West Africa, is made of bronze and copper and dated in the record to the 17th or 18th century. Rings like this are often associated with trade in West Africa. The band is thick and rounded, almost cylindrical, and the surface is a flat dark brown with a faint matte texture. Both ends are cut flat and round, one showing a slight bevel. There is no ornament, only shape and weight.

About eight inches wide, ten at its longest. Sculpture by subtraction.