Set of four manilla bronze bracelets – West Africa

Description

Set of four manila bronze bracelets from West Africa, each with a unique shape and beautiful patina. These historical bracelets combined the function of jewellery and trade money.

Origin & meaning
Manillas were a form of premonetary trade money in West Africa. They were used to exchange goods, as dowries and on ceremonial occasions. Through Portuguese and later Dutch traders, they circulated from the 16th century until the 20th century. This set comes from a private collection in Castricum and illustrates the diversity of tribal bronze ornaments with social significance.

Dimensions & condition
The set consists of four bracelets:
- 8 × 7 × 1.2 cm
- 8 × 7 × 2.2 cm
- 8.5 × 7.5 × 2 cm
- 7.5 × 6.5 × 0.8 cm
Condition: all bracelets show signs of use and a natural patina, appropriate to their age.