Konda Bakonga Bracelet Currency

A heavy dark cuff with ridged bands and a ragged opening, built to be noticed.

This copper bracelet currency from Central Africa is Konda, from Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 19th century. Manillas and similar metal bracelets served as currency in parts of West and Central Africa, and they were valued by weight and by the metal from which they were made. The upper edge rises in uneven points, and the surface is pitted and cracked, with an open split at one side. It is 4.2 inches wide, 4.5 deep and 3.5 high.

It has clearly survived worse than a polite label.