Antique African Mbole Copper Anklet Currency - 13" H X 8" W

Currency has taken many forms throughout African history. This piece and others like it were crafted out of various metals and took on different shapes and sizes. They were used for rare, but major transactions and events like weddings. 

This example from the Mbole Peoples is a large anklet, over 100 years old, and made out of copper. It is a spherical shape with a wedge cut out, and has a large hole in the center. Overall the surface has a deep copper brown color with an amazing patinated texture originating from its initial manufacture to decades of use and handling.  

Presented on a substantial new acrylic base, there is a mix of new and old, as well as perfect and imperfect. Display it in a residential or commercial space in a variety of interior settings from Wabi Sabi, Mid-Century... to Organic Modern or Contemporary.  

Place of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 

Date of Manufacture: late-19th Century/early-20th Century

Condition: Very Good

Wear: Consistent with age. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions:

Currency: 

(Total) 8.5 in. Diam., (Center) 4 in. Diam X 6 in. D

Base: 8 in. L X 4.75 in. W X 2.5 in. H

Total: 13 in. H X 8 in. W X 6 in. D

Reference:

Spurlock Museum at the University of Illinois

Penn Museum at The University of Pennsylvania

Explore more African Decor at Our Taste Design.