Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Manillas are copper or bronze horseshoe shaped armlets, which served as a general purpose currency in West Africa (Guinea Coast, Gold Coast, Nigeria) from the 15th century to the mid-20th century. Manillas were used for ordinary market purchases, bride price, and as burial money. Cowry shells, valued at a small fraction of a Manilla, were used for smaller purchases.

Manillas are copper or bronze horseshoe shaped armlets, which served as a general purpose currency in West Africa (Guinea Coast, Gold Coast, Nigeria) from the 15th century to the mid-20th century. Manillas were used for ordinary market purchases, bride price, and as burial money. Cowry shells, valued at a small fraction of a Manilla, were used for smaller purchases.

Manillas are copper or bronze horseshoe shaped armlets, which served as a general purpose currency in West Africa (Guinea Coast, Gold Coast, Nigeria) from the 15th century to the mid-20th century. Manillas were used for ordinary market purchases, bride price, and as burial money. Cowry shells, valued at a small fraction of a Manilla, were used for smaller purchases.

Manillas are copper or bronze horseshoe shaped armlets, which served as a general purpose currency in West Africa (Guinea Coast, Gold Coast, Nigeria) from the 15th century to the mid-20th century. Manillas were used for ordinary market purchases, bride price, and as burial money. Cowry shells, valued at a small fraction of a Manilla, were used for smaller purchases.