Trio of Mbole Anklet Currencies from D.R. Congo

Trio of Mbole Anklet Currencies from D.R. Congo

$2,350.00
  • 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.

Inquire | Sign up to get our emails

Add To Cart
Mounted Conch Shell #WPO Mounted Conch Shell #3

Mounted Conch Shell #WPO

$275.00
SOLD: Petrified Wood Stool, Side Table or Low Pedestal #3 Petrified Wood Stool, Side Table or Low Pedestal #3
Sold

SOLD: Petrified Wood Stool, Side Table or Low Pedestal #3

$0.00
19th Century Bronze Bracelet, Dogon Collection-Bronze-Bracelets-Nigeria-Morgan-Oakes-Tribal-San-Francisco-1a.jpg

19th Century Bronze Bracelet, Dogon

from $325.00
SOLD: Large Dogon Ladder #NVW (D) Dogon-Ladder-Mali-Morgan-Oakes-San-Francisco-2b.jpg
Sold

SOLD: Large Dogon Ladder #NVW (D)

$0.00
Extra Large Dogon Ladder (D) Dogon-Ladder-Mali-Morgan-Oakes-San-Francisco-4b.jpg

Extra Large Dogon Ladder (D)

$5,800.00