Arm Cuff

Arm Cuff

Costume, jewelry, bracelets

This cuff was made in the Mandara Mountains of Cameroon and Nigeria, where the Kapsiki people wore similar cuffs to display wealth and status. During the 18th century, the cuffs developed a secondary function as an early form of currency; men would wear brass cuffs and could remove them to purchase important items, such as livestock, land and weaponry.

18th Century

Curated by Kara DeDonato

Brass

1995.9.2

Northern Nigeria