Lobi Bronze Bracelet Currency

Wide, slightly lopsided open ring with a dark, hammered-looking face.

This bracelet currency is Lobi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. In parts of West Africa, metal rings and bracelets were used as a store of value and in payments such as bridewealth. Shaped as a broad, flattened band that curves unevenly, with a shallow groove along the outer face. The ends taper to plain, narrow tips. The surface is dark brown to black with greenish shadows and worn, softened contours. It is 2.75 inches wide, 3.5 deep and 0.25 high.

A little crooked, thoroughly lived in.