Antique Fulani Manilla Currency Bracelet, West Africa (3147)

Description

The Fulani are the most numerous nomadic people on earth and one  of West Africa’slargest ethnic groups. They have created metal arm and ankle bracelets for centuries as symbols of wealth and status, adornments, ceremonial objects, and for barter. As Muslims, they cannot use figural designs and instead use abstract geometric designs. Their bracelets are present throughout West Africa. During Africa’s colonization in the 1500s, the British, French and Dutch copied African bracelets and manufactured their own versions called manillas. Manillas became slave trade currency to purchase slaves for American and Carribean plantations. Although European manillas were used extensively, the Fulani continued producing and wearing their manillas as currency until foreign traders were prohibited from using them as currency in1919. They were confiscated and melted down in the 1940s.

Followings Islam, Fulani are prohibited from creating figures and instead use abstract geometric designs. Ranging from thin delicate C-shapes to heavy massive pieces, Fulani manillas were embellished with deeply carved designs, stamped or incised geometric forms and other motifs. This delicate Fulani bracelet has cut parallel ridges over most of its surface eliciting the effects of twisted metal pieces. The top is centered with a unique extended flat topped boss/knob.This one is in excellent condition, has a fine patina with minor pitting and scrapes consistent with age and use. Fulani manillas are often considered historical artifacts and collectibles.

Click here for Blog Manillas: Former African Trade Currency.