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Manilla Currency

Bronze Currency Bangle/Manilla, Oromo People, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, 19th C.
Bronze Currency Bangle/Manilla, Oromo People, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, 19th C.

Bronze Currency Bangle/Manilla, Oromo People, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, 19th C.

Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

19th-century bronze currency bangle / Manilla with a fixed opening. Minimalist, simple design work with engraved geometrical circles and lines.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Ethiopian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Beri People, Sudan, 19th Century - No 2
Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Beri People, Sudan, 19th Century - No 2

Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Beri People, Sudan, 19th Century - No 2

Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Early to mid-19th-century bronze currency bracelet / Manilla in circle form. Intricate graphical geometrical.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Sudanese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Beri People, Sudan, 19th Century - No 1
Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Beri People, Sudan, 19th Century - No 1

Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Beri People, Sudan, 19th Century - No 1

Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Early to mid-19th-century bronze currency bracelet / Manilla in circle form. Intricate graphical geometrical.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Sudanese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Ngelima Bronze Currency Piece on Custom Steel Mount
18th Century Ngelima Bronze Currency Piece on Custom Steel Mount

18th Century Ngelima Bronze Currency Piece on Custom Steel Mount

Located in Chicago, IL

This rare 18th-century Ngelima bronze currency manilla is a stunning artifact, weighing an impressive 20 pounds of solid bronze.

Category

Antique 18th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Magali & Fali Ceremonial Throwing Knives, Northeastern Cameroon & Niger, 1920s
Magali & Fali Ceremonial Throwing Knives, Northeastern Cameroon & Niger, 1920s

Magali & Fali Ceremonial Throwing Knives, Northeastern Cameroon & Niger, 1920s

Located in New York, NY

Across many regions of Africa, value was stored and exchanged through objects: iron blades, manillas (bracelet currencies), textiles, beads, and ceremonial weapons.

Category

Antique 1890s Cameroonian Tribal Mounted Objects

Materials

Iron

Recent Sales

19th Century Igbo Iron Spiral Currency (Manilla), Nigeria
19th Century Igbo Iron Spiral Currency (Manilla), Nigeria

19th Century Igbo Iron Spiral Currency (Manilla), Nigeria

Unavailable

H 3.94 in W 10.63 in D 4.93 in

19th Century Igbo Iron Spiral Currency (Manilla), Nigeria

Located in London, GB

This nineteenth-century spiral currency (Manilla), from the Igbo culture in Nigeria, is impressive in its size and exhibits a wonderfully exaggerated twisted, spiral form.

Category

Antique 19th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

19th Century Nigerian King Manilla Currency Piece on Custom Stand
19th Century Nigerian King Manilla Currency Piece on Custom Stand

19th Century Nigerian King Manilla Currency Piece on Custom Stand

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century Nigerian cast copper King Manilla currency piece with an incredible patina, mounted on a custom stand.

Category

Antique 19th Century Nigerian Tribal Mounted Objects

Materials

Copper

Large African Igbo Coiled Copper Manilla Currency, Early 20th Century, Nigeria
Large African Igbo Coiled Copper Manilla Currency, Early 20th Century, Nigeria

Large African Igbo Coiled Copper Manilla Currency, Early 20th Century, Nigeria

Located in Austin, TX

A large and impressive coiled copper manilla currency piece with gorgeous patina, early 20th century, Igbo People, Nigeria.

Category

Vintage 1930s Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Pair of Igbo Tribe West African Manilla Currencies on Custom Stands
Pair of Igbo Tribe West African Manilla Currencies on Custom Stands

Pair of Igbo Tribe West African Manilla Currencies on Custom Stands

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of African manilla trade currencies from the Igbo People of Central Nigeria, West Africa.

Category

Antique 19th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron, Copper

African Mounted Copper Manilla Bracelet Currency Nigeria
African Mounted Copper Manilla Bracelet Currency Nigeria

African Mounted Copper Manilla Bracelet Currency Nigeria

Located in Stamford, CT

Hand forged and crafted copper 'Manilla' currency from the Igbo people of Nigeria.

Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Mounted Objects

Materials

Copper

African Antique Currency On Stand
African Antique Currency On Stand

African Antique Currency On Stand

Sold

H 19.1 in W 14.57 in D 4.34 in

African Antique Currency On Stand

Located in London, GB

Often referred to as a "torque," this substantial cast object was fashioned by melting down manilla bracelets, small currency items once used by European traders for everyday exchang...

Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Mounted Objects

Materials

Brass

African Igbo Coiled Copper Manilla Currency, 20th Century, Nigeria
African Igbo Coiled Copper Manilla Currency, 20th Century, Nigeria

African Igbo Coiled Copper Manilla Currency, 20th Century, Nigeria

Located in Austin, TX

A large and attractive copper spiral manilla currency piece, Igbo tribe, Nigeria, early to mid-20th century.

Category

Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

Pair of African Mounted Copper Bracelet 'Manilla' Currency Nigeria
Pair of African Mounted Copper Bracelet 'Manilla' Currency Nigeria

Pair of African Mounted Copper Bracelet 'Manilla' Currency Nigeria

Located in Stamford, CT

Pair of twisted copper 'Manilla' currency from the Igbo people of Nigeria.

Category

20th Century Nigerian Tribal Mounted Objects

Materials

Copper

Bronze Okpoho-Type Manilla Currency from South-Eastern Nigeria
Bronze Okpoho-Type Manilla Currency from South-Eastern Nigeria

Bronze Okpoho-Type Manilla Currency from South-Eastern Nigeria

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Antique bronze Okpoho-type manilla currency from south-eastern Nigeria. Manillas (which were a traditional African exchange medium) were originally metal bracelets or armlets.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Nigerian Tribal Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Metal

Yoruba tribes Nigeria Manilla Bronze Trade Currency Bracelet
Yoruba tribes Nigeria Manilla Bronze Trade Currency Bracelet

Yoruba tribes Nigeria Manilla Bronze Trade Currency Bracelet

By Yoruba Tribe

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

An African manilla trade currency from the Yoruba People of Nigeria, West Africa.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Nigerian Tribal Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Bronze

An African Manilla Trade Currency on Custom Iron Stand
An African Manilla Trade Currency on Custom Iron Stand

An African Manilla Trade Currency on Custom Iron Stand

Located in Atlanta, GA

An African manilla trade currency from the Igbo People of Central Nigeria, West Africa.

Category

Antique 19th Century Nigerian Tribal Mounted Objects

Materials

Iron, Copper

African Bronze Yoruba tribes Nigeria Manilla Bronze Trade Currency Bracelet
African Bronze Yoruba tribes Nigeria Manilla Bronze Trade Currency Bracelet

African Bronze Yoruba tribes Nigeria Manilla Bronze Trade Currency Bracelet

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Ancient African bronze Yoruba tribes Nigeria Manilla Bronze Trade Currency Bracelet. An African manilla trade currency from the Yoruba People of Nigeria, West Africa.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Nigerian Tribal Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Bronze

Grouping of 5 Manillas, Okpoho, Nigeria, 19th Century
Grouping of 5 Manillas, Okpoho, Nigeria, 19th Century

Grouping of 5 Manillas, Okpoho, Nigeria, 19th Century

Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

During the Transatlantic slave trade manillas were a frequent medium "currency" of exchange for slaves.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze, Brass, Copper

Portugese Manillas (Currency) from Benin, Nigeria
Portugese Manillas (Currency) from Benin, Nigeria

Portugese Manillas (Currency) from Benin, Nigeria

Located in Wainscott, NY

Portugese Standard Unit for Barter in Benin, Nigeria. Made from Late 15th Century to Mid 19th Century. Priced Per Piece. Solid Bronze with Some Incising and Coloration.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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H 7.25 in W 3.5 in D 4.25 in

Mossi Incised Currency Bracelet

Located in Chicago, IL

The blacksmiths and sculptors of the Mossi People were held in special regard by the tribe's ruling class. Their ability to shape bronze and other precious metals into currency and s...

Category

Mid-20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

African Incised Copper Currency Anklet, c. 1900
African Incised Copper Currency Anklet, c. 1900

African Incised Copper Currency Anklet, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

Time honored texture and form define this Nigerian copper sculptural object. The intricate geometry was achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan would meticulou...

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Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Mounted Objects

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Antique African Bronze Age Era Marble Bracelet
Antique African Bronze Age Era Marble Bracelet

Antique African Bronze Age Era Marble Bracelet

Located in Katonah, NY

:: Antique handmade African Bronze Age marble bracelet. These marble bracelets were hand carved in North Africa and likely used for currency. This piece is a unique collectible, with...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier North African Prehistoric Collectible J...

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Heavy 19th Century Ekonda Copper Anklet Currency, Mongo People, D.R. Congo
Heavy 19th Century Ekonda Copper Anklet Currency, Mongo People, D.R. Congo

Heavy 19th Century Ekonda Copper Anklet Currency, Mongo People, D.R. Congo

Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL

A heavy copper anklet from the Ekonda, a subgroup of the Mongo people of the Tshuapa region in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating from the 19th century. Th...

Category

Antique 19th Century African Tribal Antiquities

Materials

Copper

Early 20th Century Hollow Fine Cast Bronze Baule Bracelet Classic Sculpture Form
Early 20th Century Hollow Fine Cast Bronze Baule Bracelet Classic Sculpture Form

Early 20th Century Hollow Fine Cast Bronze Baule Bracelet Classic Sculpture Form

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Late 19th to early 20th century hollow cast copper alloy bracelet from the Baule of Cote d'Ivoire. Beautiful cast geometric design around outside, smooth from wear inside. Rounded vo...

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Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Bronze

African Tribal Benin Brass Armlets Nigeria Antique Jewelry
African Tribal Benin Brass Armlets Nigeria Antique Jewelry

African Tribal Benin Brass Armlets Nigeria Antique Jewelry

$448Sale Price|30% Off

H 5.91 in W 4.73 in D 1.58 in

African Tribal Benin Brass Armlets Nigeria Antique Jewelry

Located in London, GB

Benin brass Armlets or Anklets A pair of heavy Brass armlets with three rows of cowrie shells, Certainly a well worn pair one slightly twisted. They have been cleaned at some point. ...

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Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Art

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Hardwood

Antique African Small Thick Bronze Bracelet with Geometric Detailing
Antique African Small Thick Bronze Bracelet with Geometric Detailing

Antique African Small Thick Bronze Bracelet with Geometric Detailing

Located in Katonah, NY

:: Antique handmade African small thick bronze bracelet with geometric detailing. Exceptional antique circa 19th century or older bracelet, possibly used as currency. This piece is u...

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Antique 19th Century African Tribal Collectible Jewelry

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Metal, Bronze

Solid Brass/Nickel Alloy Cuff Bracelet, Nupe People, Nigeria, 20th Century
Solid Brass/Nickel Alloy Cuff Bracelet, Nupe People, Nigeria, 20th Century

Solid Brass/Nickel Alloy Cuff Bracelet, Nupe People, Nigeria, 20th Century

By Nupe

Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Early 20th-century brass or copper alloy with higher nickel content. Bracelet in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Turned design with rectangular shapes and carved swirling patterns...

Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass, Nickel

African Bronze Currency Bracelet - Patinaed Decorative Sculpture
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Located in Chicago, IL

With its bold, open circular form and richly worn bronze surface, this African currency bracelet embodies a striking balance of simplicity and power. The smooth contours and deep pat...

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Early 20th Century Tribal Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Bronze Bracelet Cuff Object with Unique Markings
Vintage Bronze Bracelet Cuff Object with Unique Markings

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Located in New York, NY

Exact origin unknown. Handsome desk accessory.

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Early 20th Century French Primitive Paperweights

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Solid Brass/Nickel Alloy Cuff Bracelet, Nupe People, Nigeria, 19th/20th Century
Solid Brass/Nickel Alloy Cuff Bracelet, Nupe People, Nigeria, 19th/20th Century

Solid Brass/Nickel Alloy Cuff Bracelet, Nupe People, Nigeria, 19th/20th Century

By Nupe

Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Late 19th or early 20th-century brass or copper alloy with higher nickel content. Bracelet in horseshoe form with fixed opening. Pierced design with rectangular shapes and carved swi...

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Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Antique African Bronze Snake Cuff Bracelet
Antique African Bronze Snake Cuff Bracelet

Antique African Bronze Snake Cuff Bracelet

Located in Katonah, NY

:: Antique handmade African bronze snake cuff bracelet. Exceptional antique circa early 19th century or older bracelet. Thought to be worn in order to protect the wearer from snake b...

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Antique 19th Century African Tribal Collectible Jewelry

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Metal, Bronze

Antique African Bronze Bracelet Currency Bangle Tribal Artifact
Antique African Bronze Bracelet Currency Bangle Tribal Artifact

Antique African Bronze Bracelet Currency Bangle Tribal Artifact

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Antique African bronze bracelet currency bangle Tribal art. High quality bronze currency bracelet from west Africa. Traditionally used in monetary functions and exchange as well as...

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Mid-20th Century African Folk Art Tribal Art

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Bronze

Antique African Thick Bronze Bracelet with Geometric Detailing
Antique African Thick Bronze Bracelet with Geometric Detailing

Antique African Thick Bronze Bracelet with Geometric Detailing

Located in Katonah, NY

Antique handmade African thick bronze bracelet with geometric detailing. Exceptional antique circa 19th century or older bracelet, possibly used as currency. This piece is unique col...

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Antique 19th Century African Tribal Collectible Jewelry

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Rare Gold Ashanti Royal Bracelet from Jacaranda Tribal
Rare Gold Ashanti Royal Bracelet from Jacaranda Tribal

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Located in New York, NY

This magnificent gold bracelet was made for Ashanti royalty. The Ashanti Kingdom's wealth was significantly based on gold-mining and trading in gold, as well as agriculture. The ki...

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Early 20th Century Ghanaian Tribal Art

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Senufo Locking Currency Bracelet, c. 1850
Senufo Locking Currency Bracelet, c. 1850

Senufo Locking Currency Bracelet, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

Time honored texture and form define this Senufo sculptural object. The abstract etchings were achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan meticulously traced and ...

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Antique Mid-19th Century Ivorian Tribal Art

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Copper

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Nigerian 19th Century Gold and bronze trade currency Bracelet
Nigerian 19th Century Gold and bronze trade currency Bracelet

Nigerian 19th Century Gold and bronze trade currency Bracelet

Located in NICE, FR

We present you an 19th century antique Nigerian high quality bronze GOLD PLATED bracelet currency traditionally used in monetary functions and exchange in the tribe as well as body o...

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African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900
African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900

African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900

$388

H 3.5 in W 3.75 in D 1.25 in

African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

Characterized by its open shape capped with geometric ends, this bracelet is but one form of the many types of body adornments favored the Fulani people of West Africa. The thick des...

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Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Collectible Jewelry

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Brass

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Manilla Currency For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the manilla currency you’re looking for. Each manilla currency for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, bronze and brass. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect manilla currency — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available.

How Much is a Manilla Currency?

A manilla currency can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $602, while the lowest priced sells for $301 and the highest can go for as much as $1,180.

Finding the Right Folk Art for You

Folk art refers to a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Vintage, new and antique folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, portraiture and paintings, carnival art, quilts and duck decoys.

American folk art is frequently valued because of the traditional skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.

During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.

Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of folk art on 1stDibs.