Bracelet Currency

The study of metal currency is a whole sub-specialty in the study of African art, but this currency doesn’t take the shape of coins. Instead, it appears in a wide variety of forms, and although it was occasionally used like conventional money, it commonly served as a “bride price,” the opposite of a dowry.

Featured is an unusual form of currency known as a “Manilla.” It comes from the Igbo people (e-boh) who live in Nigeria, West Africa, and although it takes the form of a leg band or bracelet, it was probably never worn, even though it was undoubtedly a showpiece.

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. This one, coiled fifteen times, had great value; but what it bought we cannot say. The best we can figure is this one purchased something very different than trade goods, a companion or status. It bought happiness.

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