Kotoko Ring with Bird Motif

A sleek yellow-toned figure leans back off its hoop like it owns the place.

This cast bronze ring with a bird motif from the Kotoko peoples is Kotoko, from Chad, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. The Kotoko are a group of peoples living around Lake Chad, and their towns have a long history of trade and of small-scale bronze casting. Cast ring in polished yellow tone with a thin hoop rising to a smooth, rounded figure. The head is a simple knob, the body is folded over, and the feet split into two small pointed tips. It is 1.75 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 1.5 high.

Abstract enough to start arguments, and shiny enough to win them.