Manilla Currency
Along the West African coast, ostentatious displays of wealth were common, but until the mid-20th century, one could literally flaunt their prosperity on their sleeves. This was made possible by the manilla, a horseshoe-shaped bronze currency used in trade in Nigeria from the 15th to the 20th century. Originating from European traders via Portuguese intermediaries in the 15th century, manillas initially appeared as brass bracelets depicted in artifacts from the Kingdom of Benin. Over time, their function shifted from ornamental wear to standardized currency.
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