Manilla, Nigeria

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.

Location: Currently not on view

Place Used: Nigeria

See more items in: Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection, West African Currency

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: The Chase Manhattan Bank

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: NU.79.112.OC137BAccession Number: 1979.1263Catalog Number: 79.112.OC137B

Object Name: alternative currencyManilla, CopperOther Terms: Manilla, Copper; Africa; Gold Coast, Lower Nigeria

Physical Description: copper (overall material)brown/gold (overall color)green patination (overall color)cast (overall production method/technique)Measurements: overall: 6.2 cm x 6.39 cm x 2.3 cm; 2 7/16 in x 2 17/32 in x 29/32 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-1ce8-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1069124

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.