Lobi Bronze Bracelet Currency

Bold diamond crosshatching wraps a warm brown ring that looks nearly fabric-like.

This bracelet currency is Lobi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. Several forms of metal currency existed across Africa before coins, including rings, rods and blades, each valued by weight and by local custom. Seen straight on, a round, open band with coarse crosshatched engraving along the outer face and smooth, plain ends cut square. The surface is a warm brown with darker grooves, and the contours have been softly rubbed. It is 2.5 inches wide, 2.75 deep and 0.5 high.

Rugged pattern, honest surface, no fuss.