File:Post-medieval manilla (FindID 856102).jpg

English: An incomplete copper alloy 'manilla' dating to the Post Medieval/Modern period, between ADc.1550-1945. The 'manilla' has been cast in the form of a small penannular arm bracelet which is circular in cross-section. On end gradually expands to form a flattened sub-circular terminal. The terminal measures 21mm in length and 20mm in width. The opposite end of the object terminates with a recent break. There is no decoration on this artefact, which is worn but in relatively good condition. It has a dark brown patina.

Dimensions: 72mm in length, 20mm in width, 8mm thick, 35.0g

These items, known as 'manillas' (the Portuguese word for bracelet), can vary in size and style and were treated as ingots. They were usually made in Europe to exchange for trade items including slaves, in countries such as Nigeria, and were commonly used from the late 15th century until the 19th century, although some were still used in the earlier half of the 20th century. Manillas are also sometimes known as 'bracelet money' or 'legband money' and they mimic the bracelets worn to display wealth, although bracelets or legbands were used to store and display wealth in West Africa long before the local populations had any sea contact with Europeans. They were usually melted down and recast when they reached Africa. This meant that manillas were regarded as currency rather than jewellery and led to mass production in standardised sizes for trading purposes. This manilla is likely to be of the type classified as 'Late British' or Okpoho and probably dates to the 18th-19th century. Although most were exported to Africa a few have been found in this country, including some recorded through the PAS. Other examples on the PAS database are KENT-22ED41, LANCUM-41B6C5, SUSS-2F8013, GAT-649317, NMGW-563727, WMID-22DE66, CORN-31B3A7 and SUSS-8B6027.