Ethiopian Brass Bracelet Currency

Bold crosshatched diamonds march around this gold cuff.

This bracelet currency is from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is brass. The shape of a ring or bracelet is easy to make, carry and count, which helps explain why it appears as currency in many cultures. Open band with a sharply cut gap and a flat face covered in large diamond-shaped panels filled with crossed lines. Rings of small circles separate the diamonds. The golden metal is dark and spotted inside. It is 1.25 inches deep and 3.25 in diameter.

A lattice worn on the wrist.