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

About the Item

19th-century bronze currency bangle / Manilla with a fixed opening. Minimalist, simple design work with engraved geometrical circles and lines. This type of bracelet was used and worn by the Oromo People, who are living in the south of Ethiopia. These manillas, named after the Portuguese or Spanish word for bangle were a form of currency in regions throughout Africa where metal had value in society. Excellent patina and traces of vert-de gris. 91,00 gr / 3.15 oz. Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa, the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where they remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College - Williams Art Center for an exhibition titled "Plainly Geometric - Selections of Art from West Africa". In 2018 Mrs Swanson passed away.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 0.44 in (1.1 cm)Diameter: 2.92 in (7.4 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Forged
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Unknown
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Excellent patina and traces of vert-de gris. Signs of previous use, tarnish, dings and scrapes, very solid piece.
  • Seller Location:
    Aramits, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6432238785852

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