Copper Bracelet

This bracelet was a gift from my father when I was ten years old. I cherish it and wear it regularly. The piece features a spiral design that extends from the wrist to the upper arm. In my village, only a few skilled individuals could perform the coiling technique, and residents would often seek their expertise. The number of spirals was determined by the wearer’s preference and the length of the copper wire used.
In Co Tu culture, jewelry is believed to be the residence of souls; consequently, selling items currently in use is strictly forbidden. If an item is sold or gifted, one coil must be removed to ward off misfortune or sickness. During times of illness, the bracelet serves as a ritual offering to the gods; if the wearer recovers, they must cut off one of the coils as a gesture of gratitude. Some villagers have repeated this process until only one loop remains. These adornments represent substantial wealth; historically, the value of such a bracelet was comparable to one or two buffaloes."