Manilla bronze bracelet – Yoruba, Nigeria – 19th/20th century

Description

Manila bronze bracelet of Yoruba origin, Nigeria - 19th/20th century, with refined geometric details and a beautifully weathered patina. This type of Yoruba manilla combined a decorative function with its role as trade money.

Origin & meaning
Manillas were a form of premonetary trade money in West Africa and had an important role among the Yoruba in Nigeria. They were used in market transactions, as dowries and during ceremonial occasions. The decoration and shape revealed value and status. This specimen comes from a private collection in Castricum.

Dimensions & condition
Diameter outside: approx. 10 cm
Height: approx. 2 cm (narrowest point) to 3 cm (ends)
Weight: 674 grams
Condition: signs of use and a natural patina, appropriate to its age.

Product photographs show the object on offer exactly as photographed. Any interior images are AI-generated impressions, included solely to illustrate scale and presentation.