• Southeast Democratic Republic of Congo

• Hammered Copper

• Early 20th Century

• 10.5 x 7 in. /27 x 43 cm

• Height on Custom Display Stand: 15.5 in. / 39 cm

• Expertly mounted on a custom steel base painted black.

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 ultimately became an iconic cultural emblem over time. As with all exchanges, the larger or more important the transaction, the larger the cost, which is where an uncommonly large piece of currency, such as this, would be required. I often muse on 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.

Click here to see a set of three Mbole currencies also in our collection.

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