The Mbole are a people living in the Congo region north of the rivers Kasai and Sankuru. The Mbole women wear copper bands made by local copper smiths around their ankles. These legbands can reach diameters of more than 30 centimeters and weigh up to four kilograms. Although the legbands encumber their bearers mobility, they are indispensable status symbols . To walk slowly shows dignity and is proof that the woman can afford not to rush. Besides the legbands are objects of value and are used in marriage transactions.