Teke Copper Torque Currency

A heavy copper ring, open at the top, with a single flattened tab at the bottom.

This torque currency is Teke, from the Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo or Gabon, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is copper. Heavy metal neck rings served as a store of value and a sign of status in parts of Central Africa, and many were exchanged as currency. This one is a thick round bar bent into an almost closed circle. The ends are cut square, and at the base a short flat plate projects, flanked by bands of incised lines. It is 8.25 inches wide, 1 deep and 8.25 high.

Money that could be worn, which saved on wallets.