KING OR QUEEN MANILLA CURRENCY COPPER IGBO PEOPLE NIGERIA WEST AFRICA 20TH C.

Description

GJPaw
Auctions is pleased to offer a stunning vintage copper King or Queen Manilla currency, from the Igbo or Mongo people of Central Nigeria, West Africa. Among tribal cultures in Africa, currency is not used like paper currency, although it does represents wealth and an abundant lifestyle. Currency could also be used for major purchases such as land or animals, or to signify a transfer of wealth at major events, such as birth, coming of age, marriage, or death. Representing stored family wealth, ornaments were usually large and heavy and were worn by people of high status.
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.
These bracelets were made by pouring molten metal directly into a cast in the ground called a puddle mold.
This superb piece is made of copper, known as the “red gold” of Africa. It measures 8.75 inches in width by 6 inches in height (22.2 cm by 15.2 cm). The currency shows wear consistent with the mid-20th century, including an overall patina of oxidization which is natural with copper. A superb collector’s item, it is guaranteed authentic.
GJPaw
Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the globe at
Primitive
in Chicago.  Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. Add
GJPaw
to
Sellers you Follow
and please take a moment to look at our other auction items.
A1200-408