Note Type
Historical NoteNote
Bangles of this type were in use in Southern Nigeria from the 15th century. They were used as currency and as ornament. They may also have had a ritual purpose. Early Portuguese traders copied the copper manillas and used them as currency.
An expedition in 1589 visited Benin in the 100-ton ship Richard of Arundel and noted “bracelets of copper” used as a medium of exchange for pepper, ivory tusks, palm oil and locally woven cotton cloth.