Mbole Copper Anklet Currency

Brown and plain, and extremely good at it.

Mbole artisans of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this copper anklet currency in the 20th century. Such rings were commonly valued for the weight of their metal, and they appear in accounts of payment and marriage exchange. This one is a smooth, even band of dark brown, with a soft sheen along the outer curve and fine scratches over the surface. The slot is narrow and neat, and the ends are cut cleanly.

About 8 inches across, 9 wide and 6 deep. It does not shout. It does not need to.