Antique Massive African Currency / Anklet – Ekonda, Mongo, Kutu – DR Congo

Bronze. End 19th century. Copper grams 4.744,0 (10.46 lb.). Cm. 20,2 high x cm. 11,5 width (7.95″ x 4.53″).

Heavy leg shield made by Mongo smiths, a vast tribal group of central Congo that used furnaces dug into the earth to heat and melt the metal, and then pured into a horizontal cast moulded in fire clay made with a wooden mould. The still hot ingot was finally bent over a trunck to obtain the cylindrical shape desired. Worn by women, it testified to husband’s wealth.

For a similar example see:
– “The Perfect Form”, by Roberto Ballarini, page 268.
– “African Currency”, by Adolfo Bartolomucci, page 96.

319