TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:     
    Manilla

    Thirty-five (35)  wire coils with bulbous end manilla
    "bracelets" were used in West Africa from the 15th century
    until 1948 to store (cache) wealth, and as currency in rare
    but major transactions including the purchase of a wife or
    slaves.

Ethnic Group:       
    Igbo Society

Country of Origin:          
    Nigeria

Material:          
    Solid forged brass wire with slightly textured

Dimensions:
    11 x 4 x 1/4 inch w/ 1 1/4 x 3/4 inch bulbous ends; weight is
    4.6

Reference:                  
    Joyce, Univ. of NC exhibition. Life Force at the Anvil, The
    Blacksmith's Art from Africa. Exhibition May - August 1998.
    32 Pages. p25 figure 39

    Copper Bracelets and Anklets from West Africa in the
    Indiana University Art Museum, p? No.8