Copper Bracelet

One of a pair. A very simple Ethiopian copper bracelet, probably Oromo in origin, sourced in Sudan. As with all peoples of the Horn of Africa, jewellery is both a sign of status and wealth, as well as providing security for the woman. Under Islamic law, a wife can be divorced at very short notice, and she may not claim any of her husband’s money. She can only claim her own personal jewellery in the event of a divorce, so women of the region tend to acquire as much jewellery as possible in marriage. If required to do, she can then support herself and her children by selling this jewellery, and to this day, much of the trade in old jewellery is controlled by women.
Diameter: 5.6 cm / 2 inches
Inside circumference: 15.5 cm / 6.5 inches
Height: 2 cm / 1 inch