Bronze Manilla Collar
West African Origin
Early 19th Century
Condition consistent with age.
Size:
8.75” diameter
2” thick
3” opening
Height on stand: 13.75”
Stand base: 6 x 6”
17lbs
__________________________
This piece would have been worn around the neck by a young woman of status - perhaps a young bride - as a sign of wealth.
Also known as Òkpòhò, Manillas were used in West Africa as currency and signs of wealth, beginning in the 1500s. Most are known to be smaller pieces, used as anklets and bracelets. This primitive collar style is quite rare.
Manillas are often associated with the West African slave trade. European traders would recreate traditional designs and introduce them to local traders as payment for captives. However, by the early 20th century, West African governments and colonial powers began to “phase-out” manillas as currency. By 1948 the British had collected over 32 million manillas associated with the slave trade to be sold as scrap. Families were allowed to keep up to 200 pieces for traditional use. Given that a limited number were kept, most remaining pieces were generations old, coveted representations family wealth.
Bronze Manilla Collar
West African Origin
Early 19th Century
Condition consistent with age.
Size:
8.75” diameter
2” thick
3” opening
Height on stand: 13.75”
Stand base: 6 x 6”
17lbs
__________________________
This piece would have been worn around the neck by a young woman of status - perhaps a young bride - as a sign of wealth.
Also known as Òkpòhò, Manillas were used in West Africa as currency and signs of wealth, beginning in the 1500s. Most are known to be smaller pieces, used as anklets and bracelets. This primitive collar style is quite rare.
Manillas are often associated with the West African slave trade. European traders would recreate traditional designs and introduce them to local traders as payment for captives. However, by the early 20th century, West African governments and colonial powers began to “phase-out” manillas as currency. By 1948 the British had collected over 32 million manillas associated with the slave trade to be sold as scrap. Families were allowed to keep up to 200 pieces for traditional use. Given that a limited number were kept, most remaining pieces were generations old, coveted representations family wealth.
