{"product_id":"west-african-heavy-manilla-bracelet-southern-nigeria-copper-alloy-c-1850-1920","title":"West African Heavy Manilla Bracelet, Southern Nigeria, Copper Alloy, c.1850–1920","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA 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. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSKU: \u003c\/strong\u003eEG 144\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCirca:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e19th to early 20th century, c.1850–1920\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEgon Guenther Collection; by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection, Netherlands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e9.1 × 4.1 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1.198 kg\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Esteemed Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54524138848597,"sku":"EG 144","price":450.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/2353\/1861\/files\/west-african-heavy-manilla-bracelet-copper-alloy-southern-nigeria-egon-guenther.jpg?v=1785773916","url":"https:\/\/esteemedantiques.com\/products\/west-african-heavy-manilla-bracelet-southern-nigeria-copper-alloy-c-1850-1920","provider":"Esteemed Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}