Heavy cast copper-alloy manilla bracelet from Southern Nigeria, probably Igbo or Lower Niger region, with massive circular form, incised surface markings and visible opening, Egon Guenther Collection, c.1850–1920.

West African Heavy Manilla Bracelet, Southern Nigeria, Copper Alloy, c.1850–1920

€450.00
€450.00
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Heavy cast copper-alloy manilla bracelet from Southern Nigeria, probably Igbo or Lower Niger region, with massive circular form, incised surface markings and visible opening, Egon Guenther Collection, c.1850–1920.
  • Heavy cast copper-alloy manilla bracelet from Southern Nigeria, probably Igbo or Lower Niger region, with massive circular form, incised surface markings and visible opening, Egon Guenther Collection, c.1850–1920.
  • Angled view of EG 144, a heavy open-form manilla bracelet from Southern Nigeria, showing the substantial rounded copper-brass alloy body, narrow opening and extensive incised geometric surface decoration.
  • Three-quarter view of EG 144, a heavy cast copper-brass alloy manilla bracelet from Southern Nigeria, showing its massive rounded body, central opening and extensive incised geometric decoration.
  • Three-quarter side profile of EG 144, a heavy cast copper-brass alloy manilla bracelet from Southern Nigeria, showing the massive rounded body, central opening and extensive incised geometric decoration.
  • Close-up of West African heavy manilla bracelet EG 144 from Southern Nigeria, showing deeply incised geometric ornament, casting texture, surface wear and patination on the copper-brass alloy.
  • Heavy cast copper-alloy manilla bracelet from Southern Nigeria, probably Igbo or Lower Niger region, with massive circular form, incised surface markings and visible opening, Egon Guenther Collection, c.1850–1920.
  • Angled view of EG 144, a heavy open-form manilla bracelet from Southern Nigeria, showing the substantial rounded copper-brass alloy body, narrow opening and extensive incised geometric surface decoration.
  • Three-quarter view of EG 144, a heavy cast copper-brass alloy manilla bracelet from Southern Nigeria, showing its massive rounded body, central opening and extensive incised geometric decoration.
  • Three-quarter side profile of EG 144, a heavy cast copper-brass alloy manilla bracelet from Southern Nigeria, showing the massive rounded body, central opening and extensive incised geometric decoration.
  • Close-up of West African heavy manilla bracelet EG 144 from Southern Nigeria, showing deeply incised geometric ornament, casting texture, surface wear and patination on the copper-brass alloy.
West African Heavy Manilla Bracelet, Southern Nigeria, Copper Alloy, c.1850–1920

West African Heavy Manilla Bracelet, Southern Nigeria, Copper Alloy, c.1850–1920

€450.00
€450.00
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A substantial West African manilla or bracelet-form currency object, attributed to Southern Nigeria and probably associated with the Lower Niger region. Cast in copper/brass alloy, the exceptionally heavy circular form carries extensive incised geometric decoration. Manillas circulated widely as forms of commodity money and stored wealth in West Africa, particularly in areas corresponding to modern Nigeria.

The object was cast as a thick, rounded body and subsequently worked with repeated linear and geometric incisions. Its surface retains wear, oxidation, colour variation and patination consistent with considerable age. At 1.198 kg, EG 144 is substantially heavier than ordinary small trade manillas and is best considered within the broader tradition of heavy prestige and currency-related copper-alloy forms of Southern Nigeria. Comparable heavy decorated manillas are recorded within the British Museum's Lower Niger collections.

SKU: EG 144

Circa:
19th to early 20th century, c.1850–1920

Provenance:
Egon Guenther Collection; by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection, Netherlands.

Measurements:
9.1 × 4.1 cm

Weight:
1.198 kg

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