Mbole Copper Anklet Currency

Angular where its cousins are round.

Mbole artisans in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this copper anklet currency in the 20th century. Rings of this type often served as money and as signs of wealth in the region. This example has a more faceted profile, its sides planed into soft angles that catch the light along the shoulder. The color is dark brown with black shading and a rough green tinge at the edges of the slot, which is tall and tapered.

About 10 inches by 5. A study in planes, for a person who likes edges.