A heavy cast metal bracelet or ring-form ornament, likely bronze or brass, measuring approximately 13 cm by 9 cm. The piece has an asymmetric D-shaped profile, with one flattened inner face and a rounded outer face, tapering to a narrow opening at the top where the two ends meet. Each end is finished with a small band of twisted/cabled decorative detailing. The surface shows a dark aged patina with lighter bronze tones visible at the wear points and decorative bands.
Cast metal bracelets of this type were made and worn across a number of West African cultures, both as personal ornament signifying wealth and status and, in some regional traditions, as a form of currency (manillas) used in trade. Heavier, more substantial examples like this one were often reserved for higher-status wear or exchange value rather than everyday use.
Details:
- Attribution: West African, general regional attribution (specific ethnic group not confirmed)
- Material: Cast bronze/brass alloy
- Dimensions: approx. 13 cm x 9 cm
- Condition: Aged patina with visible wear at decorative bands (see photos)
- Type: Cast bracelet/ornament, possible manilla (trade currency) form