Tuareg Etched Metal Bracelet
This cuff bracelet is one of the best versions of the bracelets that Tuareg people still make and use themselves. The material is "coin silver" although the Tuareg artisans who make these say the material is "kobo". They say the inlays are "ebony" but I sincerely doubt that, and can't say what that black inlay really is. Perhaps traditionally they were ebony.
Coin silver is the metal obtained when coins that are normally used for money are melted down; there is normally no true "silver" in it. Usually the coins that are used are from Nigeria where the monetary value of the coins, called "kobo" have a negligible value. Currently 50 kobo coins still exist: 1 naira = 100 kobo so a 50 kobo coin is worth half of one naira. One US Dollar = 411 naira so 1 naira = $.0024, less than one US penny. In fact 4 naira = 1 US penny so eight 50 kobo coins would be worth one US penny. Older kobo coins can still be found in smaller denominations so their value is even lower.
This bracelet measures: 3" x 2.5" with a 1" opening.