Bronze Anklet Currency

A crescent of bronze bristling with spikes, like a sunrise in a hurry.

This anklet currency dates to the 20th century and is made of bronze. Across West and Central Africa, heavy metal ornaments such as anklets and manillas were long used as stores of wealth and units of exchange, and many were worn as well as traded. This open ring is thick and ribbed with fine lines, its two ends curling down into small knobs. A row of tapering spikes radiates out around the outer edge. The surface has a green and brown patina. It is mounted on a black metal stand. It is 9.5 inches wide, 4 deep and 12 high.

Money that dressed for the occasion.