Rare African Slave Ankle Bracelet Likely Forged Onto A Woman's Leg

Crafted out of bronze, copper and likely iron, measuring approximately 4” x 4”, this piece was likely forged around the ankle of a woman. Superb patina with highlights of green copper oxidation. Decorative geometric hash line etchings surround the entire piece.

Africa | Heavy bronze anklets worn are rarely seen today. Often used in the slave trade, these heavy pieces would be worn around the ankle to prevent a woman from escaping or running away. In the equatorial forests anklets of great weight, traditionally part of a woman's dowry and symbols of status, were forged onto the women's legs to be worn to the grave unless they were removed by smiths. In the mid 1900s the government forbade women wearing these anklets because it was though to make them look like slaves.

The listing is for the one ankle piece, however an example of how a piece such as this would have been worn is shown in the listing for review.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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