Heavy Copper Ekonda Anklet Currency MONGO 19th century

Heavy Copper Ekonda Anklet Currency MONGO Tshuapa District – D.R Congo
4494 gr
Beautiful patina.

These anklets were worn by women of the Mongo tribe of northwest Congo. They were status symbols and were also used as currency. They were made by pouring hot copper and tin into a mold set in the ground. Once formed they were removed and bent around trees until they had the appropriate size. Because they were heavy, women would wrap fabric and leaves – called Litelele – around their feet to keep from harming them. Typically, they were worn for celebrations and relatively short periods, but on occasion brides might actually wear them for months at a time!

Dimensions
Height: 7.09 in. (18 cm)
Diameter: 5.91 in. (15 cm)

Price: On request