• Southeast Democratic Republic of Congo

• Hammered Copper

• Early 20th Century

• 8.5. x 9 in. / 22 x 23 cm

• 7 x 7.5 in. / 18 x 19 cm

• 6.75 x 6 in. / 17 x 15 cm

• Heights on Custom Display Stand: 13, 10.75, 9.25 in. / 33, 27, 24 cm

• Expertly mounted on a custom steel bases painted black.

• Item #W1L

Mbole’s classic elegant form of a somewhat flattened circle, with a simply designed ankle cut out, allows both sexes to wear them as a display of wealth and prestige.

The desirable and valuable properties of metal – strength, endurance, and malleability – make it an obvious candidate for use as currency. Many African cultures created a signature currency design that became iconic cultural emblems. As with all exchanges, the larger or more important the transaction, the higher the cost, which is where a group of currencies, such as these, would be required. I often muse about how the community settled on a specific design. Was one artist tasked with the project? Was there a competition? How was the decision made? By whom – the elders, the chief, or the chief’s wife? Whoever made the decision, it was an important one with enduring symbolism.

Domestic shipping included. International shipping quoted separately.

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