Metal bracelet

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Bracelet, late 19th/early 20th century
South Africa, Natal, Zulu
Copper, aluminium, steel

Donated by A S Rae, 1913
Museum number 1913-155-1

In most African societies metal was believed to hold magical powers. The process of using fire to transform metal into objects was viewed suspiciously and to prevent malevolent forces interfering with the process, secret rituals were followed.