A collection of small antique African bracelet made from Copper. These are small pieces which would have been difficult for even a small child to wear. Likely small change. These manilla, named after the Portuguese or Spanish word for bangle were a form of currency in regions throughout Africa where metal had value in society. Wikipedia have an informative page on Manilla.
We often have a collection of these in store. You can find others at the link below.
Makers mark / hallmarks: none
Sourced: in Normandy, France
Origin: African
Age: circa 1910’s
Known background: came to us as part of an extensive collection of historical African pieces
Materials: copper
Size roughly: small pieces, largest piece 2.4 x 2 x 0.4 inches – 6 x 5 x 1 cm – internally roughly 1.6 x 1.25 inches – 4.3 x 3.2 cm
Weight roughly: 390 g
Condition: in antique condition with signs of previous use, patina and tarnish, dings and scrapes, very solid piece