Ethiopian Brass Bracelet Currency

Diamonds, circles and stripes all share one narrow golden cuff.

This bracelet currency is from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is brass. The shape of a ring or bracelet is easy to make, carry and count, which helps explain why it appears as currency in many cultures. Open band with a mottled dark interior and a bright golden face. Two crosshatched diamonds appear, with small rings between them, and fine slanted lines run above and below. The rim is rounded. It is 1.25 inches deep and 3.5 in diameter.

A well-organized little riot of pattern.