Iron money (manila)

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In addition to iron money in the form of chopping blades, spearheads, knives and crosses, the so-called Manilla was known mainly in Nigeria and its neighbouring countries. The manila probably first arrived in Africa in the 16th century via Portugal as a means of exchange and was not only used in the (slave) trade with the Europeans, but also in domestic traffic. The manilla is characterised by its ring shape, which is similar to that of an arm or leg band. Because of this shape, it is not always possible to establish with certainty whether the manila is a piece of jewelry or both.\In West Africa, arm or leg jewelry is still frequently used as payment for services rendered or as a gift. In modern commerce, the manila as a means of payment soon became impractical.\DescriptionOpen band made of a red copper alloy, the ends of which are widened and embossed with a spherical pattern.