WEST AFRICA-FRENCH

SLAVE BRACELET MONEY

The Manilla, also called "slave bracelet money" was used extensively on the "slave coast" of West Africa, which included parts of modern Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.  Most were manufactured in Europe and traded into Africa. Their value fluctuated from time to time and place to place. They are typically made of a copper or a copper and lead alloy. In the 15th and 16th century male slaves went for 2 to 10 Manillas each. The French manufactured Manilla is about 3.25 inches (8 cm) wide and has a small flan.

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