“In an area covering the north of Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria archaeologists have discovered numerous bronze and terracotta objects belonging to the Sao civilization (12th – 19th centuries). They are known for their terracotta anthromorphic statuettes which are up to 35 cm high and appear with numerous scarifications and rough features. Some were excavated from sanctuaries, while others were found in burial sites. Pierced zoomorphic figures are thought to have been used either as currency or as ritual objects. The Sao also made bronze jewelry – bronze bracelets and pendants were often decorated around the edges with an undulated motif.”

Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.