Bronze Manilla from West Africa3D Model
Originating before the British colonial period manillas were extensively used as forms of currency in West Africa. This bronze manilla was made in England for African currency. Manillas were frequently used in exchange for people who were then enslaved. The price of a human life, expressed in manillas varied considerably according to time, place, and the specific type of manilla offered. The perceived value in manillas of the person being sold was most often based on their potential to endure physical labour under extreme conditions. Other abilities or skills did not factor into the price. This practice, with people treated as commodities, is a shocking reminder of the dehumanising effects of slavery.
Thanks to African and Caribbean Support Organisation NI (ACSONI) for supporting the museum to interpret this item. ACSONI have raised important questions about how we interpret and display the cultural material we hold and have opened up new perspectives and meaning for the collections.
BELUM.C5142
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