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.
Credit Line
The Chase Manhattan Bank
date made
19th century
ID Number
NU.79.112.OC19
accession number
1979.1263
catalog number
79.112.OC19
collector/donor number
OC19
Object Name
manilla
alternative currency
Other Terms
Manilla; Africa; Gold Coast to Lower Niger
Physical Description
bronze (overall material)
gold/brown (overall color)
cast (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
overall: 6 cm x 6.1 cm x 1.7 cm; 2 3/8 in x 2 13/32 in x 21/32 in
place used
Africa
Related Publication
Feingold, Ellen R.. Value of Money, The
See more items in
Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
West African Currency
Exhibition
Value of Money
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1067116