{"product_id":"manilla-currency-ring-bierling-collection-155210","title":"Manilla Currency Ring Bierling Collection","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis solid metal 'Manilla' currency bracelet carries centuries of history and tradition. Crafted in Nigeria most likely from solid bronze. This piece features an intricately engraved and ribbed cuff. The size and weight make this a truly unique and valuable piece of history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e'Manilla' derives from a Portuguese word meaning \"hand-ring\" or \"bracelet\" and was used as currency by various indigenous communities in West Africa since the 16th and 17th centuries for market purchases, bride price, fines, divination, and burial.\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance: Bierling Collection\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eAfrica Direct is proud to introduce 'Manillas' from the Bierling Collection. The items have been kindly donated and a portion of sales go to supporting \u003cem\u003eShining Hope for Communities\u003c\/em\u003e (SHOFCO). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1962, Al and Kay Bierling embarked on their inaugural journey to Nigeria. Following 28 years of volunteer service, they became part of the US State Department, stationed in Yaounde, Cameroon. In more recent times, they have actively participated in the establishment of EnGedi Children's Home and Jeri Savoto Safe Haven for FGM women in Kenya, as well as providing medical aid to different regions of Africa.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring their travels, the Bierlings were captivated by animism and the use of ancient currencies, beads, and artifacts in daily life. As a result, they started building an extensive collection of artifacts, which includes over a hundred Manillas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSHOFCO is a non-profit organization that supports urban ghetto communities by providing essential services, advocating for change, and empowering women and girls through education and leadership development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfrica Direct has a significant record of supporting African non-profit organizations that implement community-driven initiatives to make a lasting impact on the local population. To date, we have donated over $175,000, with a specific emphasis on Shining Hope for Communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThank you for your participation in this effort!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight (in): 1.75\u003cbr\u003eWidth (in): 1.5\u003cbr\u003eThickness (in): 0.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInner circumference(in): 1.0x1.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e155210\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sku 155000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51436140200231,"sku":"155210","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_8725_9f2f505a-319f-498a-9a8b-8e5822b06994.jpg?v=1779824571","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/manilla-currency-ring-bierling-collection-155210","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}