Object Details
- Description
- Manillas were regularly used in exchange in West Africa, especially along the coast of modern-day Nigeria, from at least the fifteenth century to the mid-twentieth century. Cast from various metals, including copper, brass, and iron, they are crescent-shaped and resemble an open bracelet. They were produced by Portuguese, British, Dutch, and French merchants specifically for trade in West Africa. Manillas were used in everyday purchases at markets. They were also a central currency of the transatlantic slave trade.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- date made
- 19th century
- Credit Line
- The Chase Manhattan Bank
- Physical Description
- bronze (overall material)
- brown/gold (overall color)
- cast (overall production method/technique)
- Measurements
- overall: 5.88 cm x 5.89 cm x 1.67 cm; 2 5/16 in x 2 5/16 in x 21/32 in
- Object Name
- alternative currency
- Manilla
- Other Terms
- Manilla; Africa; Gold Coast to Lower Niger
