{"product_id":"bamum-tribe-ceremonial-copper-currency","title":"Bamum Tribe Ceremonial Copper Currency","description":"\u003ch3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA monumental copper alloy anklet from the Bamum people of Cameroon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCast in the Cameroon Grassfields during the early to mid-20th century, this substantial Bamum anklet belongs to a tradition of metal ornaments that functioned as wearable adornment, prestige objects, and stores of wealth. Its broad horseshoe form is covered with open geometric patterns, raised bosses, and tightly coiled embellishments, transforming a functional object into an intricate work of metal artistry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe anklet was produced through lost-wax casting, a process in which the original wax model is destroyed as the molten metal takes its place. Its green verdigris surface, softened edges, and irregular coloration reflect decades of age and handling. Now displayed as an individual object, it offers a tangible connection to the sophisticated copper casting traditions of the Bamum Kingdom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMetalwork of the Cameroon Grassfields\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBamum Origin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The Bamum people established a powerful kingdom centered in Foumban, a renowned center of artistic production in western Cameroon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePortable Wealth:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Large copper alloy bracelets and anklets could serve as visible markers of status and stored value rather than ordinary day-to-day currency.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLost-Wax Casting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The hollow form was cast from a wax model, allowing the maker to create its dense arrangement of piercings, coils, ridges, and raised bosses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHorseshoe Form:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The open C-shaped construction allowed the substantial ornament to be worn around the ankle while emphasizing the scale and value of the metal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSurface, Pattern \u0026amp; Form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpen Geometric Work:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Repeating triangular and circular openings create depth across the curved exterior.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRaised Embellishment:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A prominent central boss is surrounded by smaller spirals and linear details that animate the surface from every angle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAged Verdigris:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Green oxidation, darker recesses, and areas of exposed copper alloy reveal the object’s age and material history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFreestanding Display:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The rounded form can rest upright or on its side, allowing different sections of the casting to remain visible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCulture:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bamum people\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObject:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Currency or prestige anklet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cameroon Grassfields, western Cameroon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Early to mid-20th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cast copper alloy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTechnique:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Lost-wax casting with open geometric decoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 4.75 in long x 5.25 in deep x 2.75 in high\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColor:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Verdigris green with brown and copper-toned variation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFound In:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cameroon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e One antique Bamum anklet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWear consistent with age and use is present throughout, including oxidation, surface discoloration, softened details, small marks, and irregularities within the casting. These characteristics are integral to the history and individuality of the original object.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal For\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDisplaying African metalwork and currency forms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdding a compact antique object to a shelf or console\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollecting material culture from the Cameroon Grassfields\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStudying lost-wax casting and openwork decoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePresenting alone or alongside other historic metal objects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDense with pierced geometry and raised copperwork, this Bamum anklet preserves the artistry, value, and social meaning once carried through a wearable form.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DE-COR | Globally Inspired","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67801099698483,"sku":"IMG_0764","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/8566\/4307\/files\/UntitledDesign-2026-10-27T100118.283.png?v=1793120654","url":"https:\/\/atlasandkiln.com\/products\/bamum-tribe-ceremonial-copper-currency","provider":"Atlas \u0026 Kiln","version":"1.0","type":"link"}