John J. Gredler Works of Art

Pair of Mounted Copper Ankle Bracelets, Currency Pieces, Mbole People, Congo

Pair of large copper ankle bracelets, used as currency, Mbole People, Democratic Republic of Congo. Mounted on custom steel bases. Slightly different in size, these bracelets are objects of beauty. The hand chased and hammered surface shows the craftsmanship that went into creating these wonderful pieces, steeped in history. Each with its own personality, one with a lighter and the other a darker patina, they compliment each other wonderfully.  20th century.

For the Mbole, currency transcended mere monetary value; it symbolized social relationships, status, and cultural identity. Crafted with from thick gauge copper, these bracelets served as tangible expressions of wealth and power within Mbole society.

12.75" h  x  8.5" w  x  4.5" d