Cast by expert blacksmiths of northwest Congo, this extraordinary legband (ankle bracelet) was worn by rich women as a sign of nobility. Due to its weight, it was worn with a ring of plant fibers (litelele) inside the legband to protect their ankles, as they were heavy.
These legbands were both currency and status symbols and were made by pouring hot copper and tin into molds set in the ground. Once formed they were removed and bent around a tree branch until they had the appropriate size.
It is displayed and included with a custom-made black iron stand, allowing it to be an excellent decorative item.
Height: 5 ½"
Width: 10 ⅝"
It is 6" in height when mounted on its 5" square base.
