West African Manilla Currency Slave Bracelets Brass Copper Iron 1600's - 1800's

Description

These British Manilla range over various centuries from the 1600's to the early 1800's.  These are a concrete and factual reminder of the Middle Passage and the role of metals as currency, involved in the early slave trade. Sizes and ages vary from approx. 2. 3/8" by 2. 1/4", to 2.1/2" plus by 2" 5/8 inches. Weights from 1.8 ounces to 3.1 ounces with some bracelets due to metal contents.- Note: these were not made as actual bracelets so unless you have a VERY small wrist, these will not work as jewelry!  I have a few right now that would probably fit a small woman's wrist-please write me a note if you'd like one of these larger manillas.
Ships USPS Priority 1-3 days with tracking and delivery confirmation within US.
One day/same day handling - INTERNAIONAL: If the shipping messes up and charges you extra for multiple units please contact me before purchase and I'll figure out how to get you proper shipping for your desired amount of Manillas.
Made of copper, brass, and iron, the Portuguese, British and French modeled these metal currency "bracelets" after the heavy copper leg bands, wrist and neck bracelets early Portuguese explorers saw in the 1470's in West Africa.
The foreign made "manilla" (manus (hand) in Latin, monilia (necklaces) ), became a hot commodity used for trading in goods, especially for slaves. Each local region had different names for each variety and shape of manilla, with the Africans valuing them differently.
The price of slaves in exchange for manillas varied greatly depending on the season, location, and type of manilla being offered. Manillas were the first all-purpose type of currency known in West Africa, wildly more valued than cowrie shells, and used for trade or at market buying goods, for bride price, paying diviners, fines, and for burial. With the end of the slave trade, manilla production in Antwerp and Birmingham slowed down, but was still used for palm-oil trade, with the exchange rate manipulated by the native traders to favor.
In 1948 the British began a recall named "Operation Manilla", in order to swap them out with the British West African currency equal to 3 Pence for most common manilla, and possibly to halt the manipulation in palm-oil trade. Over 32 million pieces were exchanged for Pence and resold as scrap metal. On April 1, 1949, the manilla ceased to be legal tender in British West Africa; it serves as a historic reminder today of the centuries of slave trade and their role in the purchase of so many who made the Middle Passage to the New World.
Handled in cleanliness.
Handling is 1 business day
Check out my
other items
!
Payment
: We accept Paypal and if considering other purchases from my shop feel free to use the "add to cart" button. Please be aware that other people might purchase the item during this time though. If you need to cancel an order, just let me know.
Shipping
: We have a 1 (one) business day handling policy but if I can get your order shipped same day it will go out earlier. Items are usually shipped USPS First Class or USPS Priority. USPS First Class is stated as taking 2-5 business days, depending on your area. I do not have control over the speediness of your package reaching you, it is based on your location. USPS Priority can vary from 1-3 days, again, depending on where you live. These times are set by the USPS, not me. If you need overnight shipping please contact me and I'll be happy to assist you.
For
international shipping
, delivery time is about 14-20 business days to arrive in most countries. Tracking is ONLY available to your port of entry using USPS First Class International. Once it enters your country I cannot track the package. USPS Priority does offer tracking but it is at least twice as expensive. Setting shipping prices based on weight can be tricky with an item listed for national and international sale. I will refund you any difference in shipping through your PayPal account if I can pack your item and ship less expensively. International shipping requires a sturdy box in most cases and extra packing materials. I do not charge for these, but do expect in some cases a recycled shipping box as I adhere to a "green" policy whenever possible.
Return Policy
: Some items are non refundable due to their nature. I describe items for sale to the best of my ability, including photos which clearly show the condition, color, etc., of the product. Items which are used inside the shrine are generally not returnable. I am very sensitive to the handling of religious items, foods for offerings, etc., and all items are handled in a state of cleanliness i.e. "clean body", and those involved in the tradition understand that term. Due to this need in handling I cannot accept refunds for sensitive items. If an item is marked as returnable I either offer money back or an exchange, buyer paying the return postage with all items in perfect usable condition in any original gift box etc. Please do not leave any negative feedback before you email us with your concern. I am a very easy going person and your satisfaction is my goal. If you choose to not communicate in an agreeable fashion it will be difficult to help you solve your problem.
Contact
: Any questions, feel free to contact us. A reply is usually received in less than 24 hours.
Custom Reques
t: If you need a specific item, chances are I have it or can get it easily for you. As we are a team of Babalawo and Iyanifa, Iyalorixa and Juremeira, we offer many other choices than just material items.