Currency bracelet – Copper – Mbole – DR Congo

Authentic currency bracelet from the Mbole tribe of DR Congo. Bracelets such as this were highly prized in Western Africa from 1600-1900. The style and make of this kind of bracelet was indigenous to most western African tribes, and was utilized not only as jewelry, but basically as portable wealth or currency.

From 19th Century or older. It has a wonderful patina of age.

Provenance: Justin Barthels (1934-2021), gallery owner Maastricht (NL). Ex owner of a Salampasu mask DR Congo Estimated 60.000 – 90.000 USD by Sotheby`s. Source: (https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/africanoceanic-n08858/lot.189.html)