Fulani

The Fulani are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa and the Sahel, the warm tropical grassland region between the Sahara Desert and the Sudan Savannah stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. They are concentrated in Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Cameroon, Senegal, and Niger, and elsewhere in Africa in lesser numbers and are one of the largest groups numbering 38-40 million members, the most numerous nomadic people on the planet. Also called Peul or Fulbe, they are primarily Muslim, and large numbers are either nomadic or sedentary farmers. The Fulani crafted manillas locally, considered them attractive body ornamentation, and wore them as indications of wealth, to buy or trade for animals, domestic and agricultural goods, and wore them for ceremonial purposes such as births, coming of age, marriages, and burials. In the 16th century, recognizing the importance of bracelets and anklets as displays of wealth and as currency in West African, European merchants began to fabricate similar Fulani manillas in huge quantities in Europe. So, horseshoe-shaped bracelets/anklets with flared ends used initially as an indigenous form of currency for trade, and barter soon became the chief slave trade currency known as slave trade bracelets forged in Europe and brought to West Africa to purchase slaves who were then transported by merchant ships to the Americas. They were used by Europeans from the 1600s to the early 1800s when the slave trade ended, nd were finally banned and recalled by the British government in 1948.

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  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3159XLR) $110

    $110.00
    H: 2.75” W: 3.125” Thick: 0.375” Circum. 8.25” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This 19th century Fulani bracelet likely originated in Mali or Niger. As nomadic people, bracelets and anklets such as this were an ideal form of currency that was wearable, easily portable, and available for occasional major purchases. This circular thin C-shaped manilla has a rounded smooth surface inside and out. It is divided visually into six sections with incised crosshatch and linear designs. The copper-colored surface has a fine patina and it is in excellent condition with signs of use consistent with its age.  It comes with a wood and metal stand.

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3147YCK) $165

    $165.00
    H: 2.875” W: 3” Thick: 0.625” Circum: 8.5” | FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Each African group made its own manillas and were mostly horseshoe or C-shaped.  Ranging from thin delicate shapes to heavy massive pieces, they 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.  

     

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3150VKE) $185

    $185.00
    H: 2.75”  W: 2.875”  Thick: 0.5” Circum: 8.75” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This antique thick Fulani metal bracelet with flat ends has a smooth rounded outer surface with deeply etched and stamped traditional designs of  triangles, horizontal bands, circles, facets and groves. This beautiful bracelet with a fine patina is in excellent condition and comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3155VKM) $195

    $195.00
    H: 2.625”  W: 3”  Thick: 0.25” Circum. 8.25” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Each African region fabricated its own variety of manillas that were typically horseshoe or C-shaped. This large beautiful antique manilla has a rounded smooth surface with fine etched linear design, circles, swirls, stipples, and V-shapes. In excellent condition with a fine aged patina it comes with a wood and metal stand.

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3165WHM) $295

    $295.00
    Ht: 3.125”  W: 3.5”  Thickness: 1”| FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    The Fulani people favored many kinds of body ornaments, among the most traditional being bracelets and anklets in a horseshoe shape with flared decorative ends.  This finely-crafted, heavy and massive antique U-shaped example was elaborately designed with intertwined twisted strands and 11 faceted ends incised with circle and diamond designs.

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Trade Bracelet, West Africa (3146GKE)

    $165.00
    H: 2.75”  W: 3”  Thick: 0.5” Circum: 8” |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This antique thick, rounded and smooth surfaced Fulani manilla is etched with intricate decorative and geometric designs at the ends and at its apex. It is in very good condition with minor scratches, cracks and bruising on the inside consistent with its extensive age and use. It comes with a wood and metal stand.

    Click here for Blog Manillas: Former African Trade Currency.

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