West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century

West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century

€780.00
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West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
  • West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
  • West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
  • West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
  • West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
  • West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
  • West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
  • West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
  • West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
  • West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
  • West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century
West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century

West African Akan Bronze Currency Bracelet (Manilla) – Ghana – Heavy Cast Prestige Ornament, 19th–Early 20th Century

€780.00
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This cast metal bracelet belongs to the group commonly referred to as manillas — ring-shaped monetary objects historically used across coastal and forest regions of West Africa. In Akan areas of present-day Ghana, such heavy cast forms circulated both as exchange currency and as prestige adornment worn on the arm. The thick terminals and sculptural mass indicate a high-value denomination rather than lightweight trade wire currency.

The object was produced by lost-wax casting, a long-standing metallurgical tradition in Akan workshops. The interior wear, oxidation, and softened relief confirm extended handling and age. Pieces of this weight were retained as wealth storage and social status indicators; today they are collected as early African monetary systems and examples of regional metal casting traditions.

Circa: 19th to early 20th century

PROVENANCE
Egon Guenther collection, acquired from Hans Himmelheber, marked “HH”.

MEASUREMENTS
Diameter: 6.12 cm
Inner diameter: 3.6 cm
Weight: 1.327 kg

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