19th C. African Brass Manilla Currency Bracelets (3)
**Originally Listed At $200**
West Africa, Nigeria, ca. 19th century CE. A fine trio of brass bracelets known as manilla, which were used as currency pieces. Each piece is torq shaped, with a small opening. The largest features cross hatched incised lines with a rounded band. The other two are narrower with a slightly flat face. Size (largest): opening measures 3.25" in diameter (8.3 cm); (smallest): opening measures 2.5" in diameter (6.4 cm)
Manilas were a form of money, usually made of bronze or brass that were popular in West Africa until the 1940s. They were used for trade with Europeans and worn as symbols of wealth. Manillas varied in shapes and sizes, creating different values, and some communities preferred certain types over others. Interestingly the sound they make would also determine their value!
Provenance: private Southern California collection, USA, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#161324
Condition Report: Surface wear and heavy patina. Slight bending to forms.
View it on
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
**Originally Listed At $200**
West Africa, Nigeria, ca. 19th century CE. A fine trio of brass bracelets known as manilla, which were used as currency pieces. Each piece is torq shaped, with a small opening. The largest features cross hatched incised lines with a rounded band. The other two are narrower with a slightly flat face. Size (largest): opening measures 3.25" in diameter (8.3 cm); (smallest): opening measures 2.5" in diameter (6.4 cm)
Manilas were a form of money, usually made of bronze or brass that were popular in West Africa until the 1940s. They were used for trade with Europeans and worn as symbols of wealth. Manillas varied in shapes and sizes, creating different values, and some communities preferred certain types over others. Interestingly the sound they make would also determine their value!
Provenance: private Southern California collection, USA, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#161324
Condition Report: Surface wear and heavy patina. Slight bending to forms.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
