Mbole Bronze Anklet Currency

An anklet you would not want to run in.

This anklet currency comes from the Mbole peoples of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is bronze. Across Central Africa, heavy metal rings were worn by women of standing and also served as currency for bridewealth and major payments, so that a family's worth could be carried openly on the body. The form is a thick, open crescent, its outer surface stamped all over with small circles. A raised wavy line follows the inner edge. The surface looks dark and pitted, and a black stand holds it upright. Eleven and a half inches in diameter.

Spending it would have required planning, and help.