Ibo Manilla Copper Currency
19th Century
Height 3 3/4" Length 14.5"
Provenance: Alan Mann, London
Among tribal cultures in Africa, currency is not used like paper currency, although it does represents wealth and an abundant lifestyle. Currency could also be used for major purchases such as land or animals, or to signify a transfer of wealth at major events, such as birth, coming of age, marriage, or death. Representing stored family wealth, ornaments were usually large and heavy and were worn by people of high status. There are many forms of Manilla. They range from those which look like simple, small bracelets to heavy objects impossible to wear. Their values range widely too. Some could buy cattle, ivory, spices and palm oil. 400 small ones bought a bride. A relatively simple, connected bar was used as a means of exchange by court nobles. These bracelets were made by pouring molten metal directly into a cast in the ground called a puddle mold. As the metal cooled, it was wrapped into a circular shape and often even fitted directly to the wearer's body; and although it takes the form of a leg band or bracelet, it was probably never worn, even though it was undoubtedly a showpiece. This superb piece is made of copper, known as the “red gold” of Africa.