Early 20th Century African Forged Iron Mbole Currency Cuff, 1890s

20th-century Mbole forged iron currency cuff. Mounted on custom steel stands.
For the Mbole, currency transcended mere monetary value; it symbolized social relationships, status, and cultural identity. Crafted with from thick gauge hammered-copper, these cuff served as tangible expressions of wealth and power within Mbole society. Each cuff tells a story of resilience, as the Mbole people navigated through the complexities of colonialism and modernization while preserving their unique cultural practices. Displaying these currency cuff honors not only the artistic mastery of the Mbole craftsmen but also the enduring spirit of a people whose traditions continue to inspire awe and admiration.

Tpically made from forged iron or brass and takes the form of a large, crescent-shaped bracelet or cuff.
The cuffs are often too large to be worn on the wrist, and their primary function was not as jewelry, but as a store of wealth and currency for trade and ceremonial exchanges. They are generally heavy and large in size, reflecting their value and importance.
The primary use was for trade. These metal objects were a form of primitive money, used in economic transactions such as buying goods, livestock, or land.
The value was often determined by its size, weight, and the material used to make it, with larger and heavier cuffs being more valuable.
Beyond its economic role, they had important ceremonial and social functions. It was often used in dowry payments during marriage negotiations, where the groom’s family would present these cuffs as part of the bride price, also used in other important social exchanges, such as during funerals, initiations, or tribal rituals.
Ownership of these cuffs symbolized wealth and social status within the Mbole community. Wealthy individuals or families would accumulate large numbers of these cuffs, which could be displayed as symbols of their prestige.
The production of metal currency such as the Mbole cuff is linked to the broader African tradition of metallurgy. In many African cultures, blacksmiths were not only artisans but also held high social and sometimes spiritual status due to their ability to transform raw materials into valuable objects.