Hand made the Lobi ethnic group of Burkina Faso, this bronze gold weight piece of a crocodile is a unique, Previously, the use of gold was restricted in Africa due to the limitations of Islam. Gold trading often incorporated bronze figurines called mrammuos, representing human/animal forms or abstract designs. hand-shaped made using the old-fashioned lost wax technique. The crocodile, which is believed to bring protection, is regarded as an amulet of power among the Lobi. Molten bronze is poured into a clay mold containing the wax figure and the wax melts, leaving a one-of-a-kind cast. After each casting, the clay mold is destroyed. 5.25" w by 1.75" d by 1" H