Iron Manilla-Form Currency Bracelet, Southeastern Nigeria, 19th–Early 20th Century

A compact manilla-form currency bracelet associated with the historic metal-currency traditions of southeastern Nigeria. Its penannular, horseshoe-shaped form relates to manillas circulated in the Igbo, Efik and Kalabari trading region as objects of exchange and, in certain contexts, personal adornment. Museum records confirm that iron manillas were known at Old Calabar and that other iron examples were produced for trade with Igbo communities. British Museum, Pitt Rivers Museum

The substantial iron body was forged and shaped into an irregular section, tapering towards two open terminals. Dense oxidation, wear and surface variation are consistent with the material and attributed age. The comparatively uncommon iron construction and documented Egon Guenther collection provenance add to its relevance as a collector’s example of West African currency-related metalwork.

Circa:
19th–early 20th century.

Provenance:
Egon Guenther collection, by family descent to Thomas Guenther collection.

Measurements:
7 × 5.6 × 1.33 cm

Weight:
74 g