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LOT 2383
Tuareg Manilla Bronze Slave Bracelet Group
OKOMBO TRIBE, LATE 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY A.D.
1 7/8 - 2 1/8 in. (53 grams total, 47-55 mm).
Each penannular in form with opposed conical finials, one with radial twist to the shank. [3, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Nigeria, West Africa.
From an old Derby, UK, specialist collection.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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African Brass Manilla Slave Bracelet
Okombo Tribe, late 19th-early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Penannular in profile and round in section with integral pellet and wire detailing. 248 grams, 10.5 cm
From Nigeria, West Africa. From an old Derby, UK, specialist collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Also known as okpoho, Okombo or abi. Once a form of currency for West African peoples, manillas became one of the main currencies of choice during the slave trade to the Americas. Their usage during this time in history was of such prevalence that they were often referred to as “slave trade money.” The Manilla is in very good condition and measures 105mm wide and weighs about 250gms. Manillas are typically horse shoe-shaped with flared ends and often decorated with balls on each end. Africans from each region had names for each variety of manilla and were very particular about the types they would accept. They valued the Manillas by the sound they made when struck and used them as the dominant form of currency for many things including everyday market purchases, bride price and burials. The main purpose of the manilla – the trading and purchase of slaves- fostered a system where the incoming voyage of Europeans took manillas to West Africa to obtain slaves, who were then taken to the Americas. The price of a slave valued in manillas varied depending on the time, place and type being offered. -
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
Bambara tribe, early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Carved wooden elongated mask representing an animal head with wide open snout, round ears, small round holes for the eyes and six horns above the brow. 1.47 kg, 49.5 cm
From Mali, West Africa. From a Glasgow ethnographical collection; formed 1940s-1950s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
The number of horns make reference to specific characteristics of males (three, six, or 9 horns) or females (four or eight horns) and the androgynous (two, five or seven), making this a male mask of six horns. -
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
Kamba Tribe, mid-late 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Carved wooden mask, leaf-shaped in plan with reserved nose and mouth, angled elliptical slots to the eyes, remains of pigment. 802 grams, 45 cm
From Kenya, East Africa. From the private collection of Mr N.J., Leicester, UK; acquired circa 2010. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
