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The ancient city of Jenné-Jeno on the upper Niger river was an important center in the trade-based Empires of Mali and later Songhay until 1591 when conquered by the Sharifs of Morocco. Jenné and Timbuktu, farther north in this Inland Delta region (now Mali) were links on the trade routes between Egypt and the western coast of sub-Saharan Africa via the Senegal river. There are Arab traveler accounts of copper bracelets used as money in 1068 AD farther east on the trade route at Takkkur. Manillas brought to the west coast by early European traders moved quickly upriver to this region, in fact creating the first large-scale demand for slaves, as porters. Today it is an artifact-rich area and one of the major foci of African archaeological research.
The present group of bracelet money is not properly a hoard, as it came to me along with, though separated from, more modern types in several batches between 1987 and 1994. All are said to originate in the Jenné-Jeno area. This group is distinguished by the heavy green patination found on most pieces, in marked contrast to the clean appearance of other bracelets, by its pure copper composition, and by types not found elsewhere. Not knowing the soil conditions in which these pieces were buried, it is difficult to estimate their age on this basis, though I would speculate that the soil was probably fairly dry. Blandin illustrates eight bracelets, currently in the Musé de l'Homme,which were excavated by a Colonial administrator near Goundam (S. of Timbuktu), one of which matches exactly a piece in this hoard and the others of similar style.
As to manufacture, there is a wide range of sophistication in the group, from simple drawn wire of medium gauge bent in crescent shape to lovely, detailed pieces depicting a king's stool or a corpse laid out for burial. Most of the pieces are cast, probably in open moulds, though the more elaborate pieces are probably cierré-perdu, a technology which predates coastal European contact.
Given our current minimal state of knowledge, the most to be said for dating is that these are the oldest available bracelet monies of African origins, are possibly prototypes of some later, sub-Saharan types. They may have been made anywhere from before 1100 AD to somewhat after 1600 AD.
The weights of individual pieces do not appear to show any denominational system, though specimens of the commoner types often cluster within a few grams and can be very similar in diameter (esp. 264h,k,m). It is tempting to posit a size rather than weight-based metrology for other types (246s,t).
The group consists of 200 pieces offered below, plus some fragments, and 63 unusual or single types to be photographed and offered individually. Census figures for each type are shown in parentheses. Ranges of weight, diameter, and thickness are given by type. Unless noted, all are red copper with some degree of green patination; many have been lightly wire brushed to remove heavy soil and flaky or powdery green. If you have a preference for either "clean" or "green" let me know so I can select appropriate specimens. Pieces shown below are samples, not the exact piece you will receive.
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LARGER | REF# | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
 | 10a | DRAWN WIRE BRACELET Copper ingots heated, hammered, and drawn through successively smaller drawplate holes were themselves currency (Calabar rods, etc.) then cut and bent to crescent form (though. hard to tell from a mould-cast bracelet on patinated specimens) This is a catch-all type and includes rounded wire, wire squared on the insides for easier wearing, or on the sides for stacking, ridged on the outside, etc. Scan shows typical end/body shapes. Mostly 100-200gm, 65-97m diameter, 12m gauge (thickness) wire, nicely patinated. ($19 each per 3+, mixed sizes, shapes, etc.) (41) | 25.00 |
| 10d | Drawn Wire, Smaller 30-70gm, 68-80m, 5-6m gauge (18) | 16.50 |
 | 14 | CAST BRACELET Similar to drawn wire braclets, though without a cut or gap between ends, thus cast rather than wire-origin 45-115gm, 75-79m, 6-11m (7) | 25.00 |
 | 17 | UNIQUE BRACELETS Closed cast bronze bracelets similar to other types offered here, but each with a unique design.
SPECIMENS:
17a) $45.00
17b) $40.00
17c) $25.00
17d) $45.00
17e) $50.00
17f) $28.50
17g) $28.50
17h) $40.00
| 25.00 - 50.00 |
 | 20 | NODE-&-GROOVE BRACELET Closed circular bracelet with repeating pattern of nodes and grooves, usually 3-4 series, but 2, 6, and 8 exist. There are a few specimens at either end of the weight/size ranges, but most are remarkably uniform. Commonest type of this hoard. Sample shown. 54-100gm, 72-81m, 8m thick (55) | 28.50 |
| 21 | NODE-&-GROOVE: OPEN Open ended version of above. | 28.50 |
 | 23d | TWISTED PATTERN BRACELET Cast, closed type with deep-grooved twist pattern, imitating actual twisted wire. 65-110gm, 4 are 70gm; 82m diameter, 7-8m thick (7) | 37.50 |
 | 23b | TWISTED PATTERN BRACELET Larger, more variable specimens 170-210gm, 84-86m, 11-13m thick, one with 40m ridged section, one flat side, etc.Sample shown, yours will be different. (3) | 47.50 |
 | 26 | ROLLED END BRACELET Plain circular body with two ajacent thinner rods set in crosswise, possibly to resemble a gapped opening, or perhaps symbolic?. SPECIMENS: a & b) 26a) 64mmØ, 8.5mm thick, 86gm $35; 26b) 82mmØ, 10mm thick, 159gm $50 26p) One side in twist pattern 90mmØ, 252gm chunk missing at top of plain side (casting flaw or old damage) $45 (6) | 35.00 - 50.00 |
 | 27 | ROLLED END BRACELET: GAP Open bracelet with tubes at gap. SPECIMENS: 27a) Body half plain, half twist. 87mmØ, 183gm Heavily encrusted. $50; 27b) Twist body, closed tubes 100mmØ, 183gm, same as 27a. Is this a coincidence or is there a weight standard here?? $85SOLD (3) | 50.00 - 125.00 |
 | 32 | WIDE BRACELETS Thin-gauge copper or bronze with some etching, some open and some closed. Samples shown. Large (38-40mm wide) $45; Medium (20-23mm wide) $30; Small (17-18mm wide) $25 (5) | 45.00 |
 | 29s | WIDE BRACELET SET What almost looks like a denomination set of bronze (not copper) of about the same size, but different thicknesses. Open-end with a few lines engraved, as a set of 3: Heavy gauge189,194gm, 76-77m, 21m wide; Medium gauge 88,90gm, 77m, 22m wide; Light gauge 47,52gm, 67,69m, 16-17m wide SET OF 3 (6) | 65.00 |
| 30s | WIDE BRACELET SET similar, but well-patinated copper with more complex engraved designs covering the entire surface. Set of 3: 186,113,50gm, 77,72,70m diameter, 23,23,15m wide SET OF 3 (3) | 110.00 |
 | 35 | HINGED BRACELET: SOLID Two tongue-and-groove segments lock together with pins or wire. Round body, little or no design. SPECIMENS: 35a) 102mmØ, 13-16m thick, 478gm Rough surface; frozen solid with old corrosion. $100; 35b) 100mmØ, 24mm thick, 1020gm Etched design at opening. Rough surface; frozen solid with old corrosion. $175 35c 104mmØ, 23m thick, 740gm Rough surface; fozen solid with old corrosion. $145 (3) | 100.00 - 75.00 |
 | 37 | HINGED BRACELET: HOLLOW Hollow segments made by lost-wax casting. Originaly wire may have been used to hold the halves together, as I have never found a specimen with any kind of pin attached. SPECIMENS: a) b) c) d) e) 100-109m x 20-29m thick 270-339gm. All fit together well; two are shown apart to demonstrate hinges Each: $75 p) Heavily corroded, broken with a chunk missing $15 (7) | 75.00 |
| CLICK! | 38 | UMATCHED SEGMENTS Hollow segments made by lost-wax casting. Half bracelets. (3) | 15.00 |
 | 42 | RINGS A distinctive group, 20-40m diameter with large center holes for finger wearing, though some may have other purposes. Weights run 3-90gm with no real clustering. Generally flat interiors, rounded exteriors with no design; 8 pcs. have breaks. No doubt functioned as "small change" as well as adornment. (3 or more diff $9 ea.) (29) | 12.50 |
 | 45 | BICONE ANKLET Large, broad-face open-end piece with outer surface rising from raised, decorated edges to a central ridge. This is one of the few types in the hoard that has counterparts among later bracelets (See #170, 174 below). Much as Gibbs sale V 3/71 Lot 602, attributed as Benin 1100-1200 AD. These hve green and corroded surfaces, but I have darkened and sealed. SPECIMENS: 45d) Ornate rope & knot rims with plain body. 450gm, 105mmØ, 63mm tall. $200; 45e) Ornate rope rims with etched concentric diamond design on body. 380gm, 97mmØ, 72mm tall. One tiny casting hole. $185 | 185.00 - 200.00 |
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LARGER | REF# | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
 | 235 | NUPE BRACELET Heavy, white brass with 5-facet exterior, flattened interior, enlarged 13-facet ends. Brief etched & circle-punched design on & approaching ends. Attributed to Nupe Tribe, Bidda area, N. Nigeria (D24#ADN10, D21#65) See Opitz p.91, BA11/1 Scan shows typical examples of four sizes, plus late Birmingham manilla for size comparison. | |
| 235A | Nupe Bracelet Large: 87-89m x 20-24m broad 390-500gm | 47.50 |
| 235B | Nupe Bracelet Medium: 69-73m x 11-12m 142-225 gm | 35.00 |
| 235C | Nupe Bracelet Medium: 65-69m x 7-8m broad 89,113gm | 25.00 |
| 235D | Nupe Bracelet Small: 55-60m x 4-6m broad 46, 50gm | 17.50 |
 | 235F | NUPE CHRISTIAN BRACELET? Large type as above with a crude fish etched and punched into one side at top. In this desert region, what would be the normal meaning of a fish? Typical example shown. | 47.50 |
 | 237 | "ETHIOPIA PATTERN" BRACELET Similar to the Nupe bracelet, but rounded body with twist pattern, no etched designs. Very much like the (silver?) piece shown by Fisher (p.291) as coming from Jima in the southern highlands of Ethiopia. White brass, yellow brass. Some with flattened sides for stacking. 62-66m x 7-9m thick 73-112gm. Typical piece shown. | 22.50 |
 | 255 | SPATULATE-END BRACELET Heavy, plain yellow-brass with oval body and enlarged, squared spadelike ends. Designs link this to #235, the Nupe type. (BA11/3) | 45.00 |
| 255B | Spatulate-end bracelet. Some etched design. Avg. 82x30m, 350-536gm Typical example shown. | 35.00 |
| 255C | Spatulate-end bracelet. More design, or other features. Typical example shown. | 42.50 |
 | 255C.1 | Fancy Specimen Lots of raised design on ends and top. Somewhat worn. | 47.50 |
| 255D | Spatulate-end bracelet. Ribbed body & raised design on ends. Slightly lighter weight. Typical example shown. | 42.50 |
 | 255D.1 | Spatulate-end bracelet. Ribbed body & raised design on ends. Nicest example in stock. Lots of design. Dark tone. | 42.50 |
 | 256 | TWISTED SPATULATE-END BRACELET Ends somewhat thicker and soldered to a pair of intertwined 4-twist flattened rods of brass and copper. Rather crude. 75-83m, 340, 387,482gm | 55.00 |
 | 248 | FACETED EARRING Circular with enlarged, decorated 13-facet end. White brass. 57-62m x 3-4m thick 34-54gm. Per piece: | 20.00 |
 | 242 | TUAREG MANILLA Large, heavy brass piece with subtle 8-facet body in U-shape and hugely enlarged 13-facet ends, 10-11 with fine detailed simple designs, inner facet rough, feet flat (will stand up, clay helps). BA says it is a widespread type among the Tuareg, and tribes in Mali & Niger; Eyo, p.63 uncaptioned; Fisher Africa Adorned p.202 as Tuareg; Seattle Art Museum #1603 (aluminium!) as Mossi. Design clearly based on the Djerma/Mondua "manilla". It is, by size and intricacy of design, clearly the "king" of these later large-foot bracelets. I call it a manilla because it is an elegant exaggeration of the European product. In fact, the clustering of the weights makes me wonder whether these had some relationship to early, heavy-weight European manillas.
Each specimen is graded for wear, and priced by grade and weight: Comparison of heaviest and lightest specimens.
242b) 723g, sword(??) in grid pattern VF $175;
242c) 828g, VF+ $165;
242d) 858g VF $165;
242e) 842g F, patchy color $150;
242f) 710g VF+ $145;
242g) 625g EF, dark tone $135;
242h) 600g EF, dark tone $135;
242j) 659g Vg-F $120;
242k) 439g Vg-F $100
| 100.00+ |
 | 250 | KANO BRACELET (northern Nigeria) Plain round body with slightly flared, etched ends. White brass. Crude, not pretty. D8#20. See article in Der Primitivgeldsammler 1987#2 50-69m x 7-8m thick 43, 47, 61, 74.5g | 20.00 |
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LARGER | REF# | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
 | 160a | HINGED BRACELET Two faceted segments, one end with pointed tang, other end hollow; pin holes to complete the hinge with wire. Brass piece descended from earlier Sahel ancestors (#35 above). This is actually two halves from different bracelets which nearly fit together, though design and coloration are different. 117mmØ, 1390gm | 75.00 |
 | 170f | BENIN ANKLET Very large, bicone shape with raised designs at all edges and along central ridge. Very similar to a type (now sold) from the JennŽ-Jeno hoard. Also see F88#2 (Kasena, Ghana) "rarely seen today," F88#3 (Dan, Ivory Coast & Guinea), BA140#2 (Ivory Coast, Liberia). Old, fancy specimens of a type that has apparently diffused throughout western Africa. 150mmØ x 95mm tall, 825gm. Missing a large chunk, though displaying it cocked back on the void section hides the defect and allows easy viewing of both planes of the bicone. | 45.00 |
 | 174 | KASENA / FRAFRA BRACELET Bicone shape with opening, raised ornamental rims. See Glar-4/138-140 SPECIMENS: 174a) Hand-chased leaf designs on body. 345gm, 85mmØ, 65mm tall. $75 174b) Anklet or Armband, tall piece with a bit of etching around opening. 400gm, 125mmØ x 102mm tall. Serious crack & missing chunk, soil encrustation. An old piece. $ 40 | 40.00 - 75.00 |
 | 176 | BAOULE ANKLET (Ivory Coast) Very large, thick, hollow piece with flattened interior, rounded exterior with intricate design, slit for insertion of stones to create rattle. Dark brass, lost-wax cast. F89#8, OP91, D23#71, BA260#1,2. 176f) Large piece, 130mmØ x 55mm tall, 555gm. Cracks on one side & interior. | 55.00 |
 | 177 | BAOULE HINGED BRACELET Heavy, intricately decorated cast piece in two separate halves joined by hinges. D10WAC4 b) Solo tang missing, so bracelet DOES NOT fasten closed. $175. Closing pins appear not to be originals. | 175.00 |
 | 178 | HINGED BRACELET SEGMENTS Unmatched bracelet segments:: a) 220gm, 105mm One endcap & all hinges missing $20; b) 323gm, 115mm One endcap & all hinges missing $30; c) 409gm, 120mm Intact, attractive $50 | 20.00 - 50.00 |
 | 180 | MOCK STACK BRACELET Broad-faced, thin-gauge cast brass, almost certainly designed to imitate a stack of plain, drawn-wire bracelets. . Larger pieces may have been worn as armbands or legbands. Dillingham (D23#20,75 $45) attributes this to the Hausa of Nigeria, where such rod currencies were used; Sim. SAM$1699. Most are slightly asymmetrical due to having been worn and removed. Many are dirty and could be made prettier with a wire brush.
SPECIMENS:
180b,d) b) 3-stack with ridges 90mmØ $20.00; 180d) with hatching 105mmØ $35.00;
180h,j,k,m) h) 4-stack with hatching, paired Kola nuts at gaps and back: 60mmØ 30.00; j) 85mmØ $35.00; k) Border of half circles $45.00; m) Border of half circles. Damage. $20.00;
180r,s,t) r) 4-stack with hatching, concentric half-circles design at gaps and back: 75mmØ 35.00; s) 72mmØ $40.00; t) Border of half circles. Small cut at gap. $40.00;
180u,v,w) u) 4-stack with hatching, concentric half-circles design at gaps and back: 82mmØ 45.00; v) 90x77mmØ Border of half circles. $45.00; w) Two chunks missing $15.00
| 15.00 - 45.00 |
 | 181 | MOCK ROD BRACELET Imitating ridged-exterior rather than rounded bracelets, with three segments. Closed (full circle) rather than open end. A bit of etched rather than cast-in design. They appear to be cruder and older than #180, but not as attractive. Typically 90mmØ x 35mm tall. Sample pieces shown: A) Interior ridges hollow, hence light, about 120-150gm $35.00; M) Interior ridges solid with incised hatch design on top and bottom. 220-260gm $45.00 | 35.00 - 45.00 |
 | 206 | BIU DIVISION BRACELET Bidda Tribe, Nigeria. Well-cast, consistent fancy manilla-like brass bracelet. Wide crescent, flared ends with distinctive ornamented cuffs. Johansson p.44a, Opitz p.91, D24#45. One of the most attractive of cast bracelet types, and well attributed. 63 - 105m (2.5 - 4") Typical specimen shown. Selected larger example: | 27.50 |
 | 225 | DOROME BRACELET Nigeria. Circular yellow-brass cast bracelet with crosshatch design and sometimes a small blank patch. Gapless bracelets are uncommon. 73-81m x 6-9m thick 63-134gm | 18.50 |
 | 226 | DOROME TOKEN Cast brass ring used as fare tokens for donkey carts, Dorome Tribe, Nigeria. According to Dillingham (D26#28) the drivers turned them in to the Chiefs, who held the concession, and were paid in bracelets. Thus an ethnographic token rather than an ethnographic money, and possibly unique as such? Inner diameter 19-22mm, so generally wearable. Ridged or cross-hatched pattern, or plain (which may just be worn, but I suspect an earlier variety.), your choice. Yellow brass or with green patina, your choice. | 4.50 |
| 226t | Dorome Token Set: One each ridged, cross-hatched, and plain. | 11.00 |
 | 226s | DOROME BELT Spaced on a leather strip, the belt served as a badge of office for the cart drivers, about 60-70 pieces per belt. I bought a group, so you may choose either ridged or smooth rings, or a mixture | 85.00 |
 | 226u | DOROME NECKLACE Longer than the belts, 143 rings and 3 bells on a thick rope covered with colored cloth (not visible). Mostly ridged type, but worn rings. I do not know if this is a traidional item or modern packaging. Length 18.5 inches. | 200.00 |
 | 230 | COWRIE BRACELET Round or flattened dark brass with crosshatch pattern (as Dorome), with various patterns of cowries on top. The cowrie was an even more universal African money than the bracelet, and were thought to promote fertility. Probably Nigeria or Mali. 67-69m x 6-8m thick 60-99gm Can supply several different @ $20 each. | 22.50 |
 | 232A | WAVE MANILLA Cast brass with thick body in wave pattern Dillingham (D19,AP19) calls it Wave Manilla, Nigeria. 5-sided etched ends 75-100m, 300-450gm. Attractive.. Typical specimen shown. | 42.50 |
| 232C | Wave manilla, small, 70m, 170gm Unusual. "Fine" for wear. | 22.50 |
| CLICK! | 232E | Wave Manilla. Squared, collared ends with cast design 72-80m, 250-480gm. Typical specimen shown. | 42.50 |
| CLICK! | 232D | Wave Manilla. Squared, Large specimen 95m, 765gm. Scan shows casting flaw one end. | 45.00 |
| CLICK! | 232H | Wave Manilla: Hollow. Squared ends just as 232E. A unique feature for African money bracelets. 170-230 gm SPECIAL: | 19.50 |
| CLICK! | 232S | Wave Manilla: Hollow. Set of 3 sizes, regular "H" and two smaller ones. The solid bracelets of this type do not come in smaller sizes. | 49.50 |
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LARGER | REF# | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
 | 282 | KOLA NUT BRACELETS Large cast brass, round body & round shape with no gap. Tight cross-hatching may represent snake scales. Three Kola nuts at top (one example has 18 small nuts). 85m across, 125-175gm | 32.50 |
| 230 | COWRIE BRACELET Round or flattened dark brass with crosshatch pattern (as Dorome), with various patterns of cowries on top. The cowrie was an even more universal African money than the bracelet, and were thought to promote fertility. Probably Nigeria or Mali. 67-69m x 6-8m thick 60-99gm Can supply several different @ $20 each. | 22.50 |
 | 285 | CIRCULAR BRACELETS Medium-size cast brass, round body & round shape with no gap. Most pieces show a raised "buckle" element or raised spine characteristic of python and similar magical types, but they are too worn to identify the design elements. Relatively scarce, I have never seen this basic unbroken circle type offered or illustrated.Scan shows mixed sizes. | |
| 285a | Circular bracelets: Heavy, plain: 76-86m x 9-12m thick 116-194gm | 19.50 |
| 285b | Circular Bracelets: Medium, usually with flattened interior and a fair amount of cast and/or etched design, but worn. 72-83m x 2 - 5m thick 85-134gm | 13.50 |
 | 253b | ALUMINIUM BRACELETS The other white metal. Before the technique of refining aluminium was perfected, it was a somewhat valuable metal. However, these bracelets clearly cover a wide range in age, so they are probably not money, but worn for ceremonial dances or for the amuletic properties of white metal. Fisher (p.134-5) shows Kirdi (Cameroun) women with aluminium bracelets. Scan shows typical pieces in stock, though the l arger and fancier ones are now sold. As they come: | 5.50 |
 | 253S | ALUMINIUM BRACELET - Snake This type is a flattened snake-swallowing-tail design. Mostly 4.5" (120m). Typical piece shown. | 6.50 |
| CLICK | 253T.2 | Crested bird Senufo "boat" bracelet, but clearly a divination piece featuring bird, though top of head is broken away. 6.5" length. Somewhat worn. | 15.00 |
| CLICK | 253T.3 | Animal Senufo "boat" bracelet, but clearly a divination piece featuring some sort of animal with split tail. Animal head may be incomplete or modified, but shows wear on possible break spots. Intereting. 5" length. | 20.00 |
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LARGER | REF# | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
 | 300a | DRAWN WIRE BRACELETS Brass wire created by pulling metal through the round hole of a draw-plate, then bent to crescent shape. Wire gauge runs 4-6m. With //////// or <<<<< design toward ends, often faint. 60-100m Most 30-60gm Scan shows mixed sizes. |
11.00 |
| 300b | Drawn Wire Bracelets: Plain (no design) | 8.00 |
 | 302 | BENT ROD BRACELETS The next step up from drawn wire are these 8.5-10m gauge bracelets made of Calabar-sized rods bent to crescent or circular shape. They're nothing glamorous, but probably as a type, among the oldest African bracelet money. Scan shows mixed sizes. | |
| 302a | Bent Rod Bracelets: 7m gauge, copper, bent to full circle 77,80m 71,83g. | 11.00 |
| 302b | Bent Rod Bracelets: 8.5-10m gauge, brass 93-109m 110-160gm | 16.50 |
| 302c | Bent Rod Bracelets: 1-12+m gauge & generally larger or heavier | 18.50 |
| 302d | Bent Rod Bracelets: 13-15m gauge but generally shorter | 18.50 |
 | 305 | HAMMERED BAR BRACELETS Medium to large-sized brass bracelets, traditionally made by annealing to crescent form, but possibly cast this way. Round or oval body, rounded or flat interiors, round to oval ends. Some have bits of etched designs; most are plain. Pieces of this appearance and generally larger size have been attributed to the Ovambo of Namibia & Angola (PS 1987/1, 1988/2), "Angola," (D21#61), Nkutshu of Congo (PS1992 /2), Luluberg, Congo (D19#62), Thonga & LaVenge of Mozambique (PS1992/3), and "Mozambique" (Sotheby Gibbs Lot 35). Scan shows mixed sizes. | |
| CLICK! | 305A | Hammered Bar Bracelets: Massive size. Design: Clusters of punched-circles at four points on body. Three very similar pieces in stock, suggesting it was a standard form for some tribal group. 5.5 - 5.75", (142-146m), 57, 60, 64 oz. (1.6 - 1.8 kg) | 125.00 |
| 305C | Hammered Bar Bracelets: Large: 85-96m 593-717gm | 55.00 |
| 305C | Hammered Bar Bracelets: Medium: 83-101m 391-448gm | 45.00 |
| 305E | Hammered Bar Bracelets: Medium: 76-92m 221-313gm | 33.50 |
 | 306a | HAMMERED BAR COIL Cast brass bar with tapering ends formed into coil shape. Rounded exterior, flattened interior. Crude designs etched at ends and center coil. 52 oz, 92mm across x 65mm high. Darkly toned brass. | SOLD |
| CLICK! | 306b | Hammered bar coil: Rounded bar formed into 3 coils. 47 oz, 93mm x 57mm high. Darkly toned brass. | 75.00 |
 | 315 | CAST HASHMARK BRACELETS Elongated brass crescent, squarish body, casting seam & cracks on interior, very fine etched hash-marks cover dark-toned exterior. A distinctive group of 23 pcs. with two clear denominations which came with other Zaire items.. Scan shows mixed sizes. | |
| 315a | Cast Hashmark Bracelets: Unit: 10-14m gauge, 95m, 170-280gm, all visually very similar | 30.00 |
| 315b | Cast Hashmark Bracelets: 2 Unit: 18-21m gauge, 105-115m, 425-670gm. Often with a casting flaw at middle interior. | 45.00 |
| 315c | Cast Hashmark Bracelets: No hashmarks 20-22m gauge, 609, 670,750,750gms | 50.00 |
 | 315j | Cast Bar Bracelet Very much like the larger cast brass pieces which often show hashmarking, but red copper. Thus possibly an older piece. 650g, 120m | 60.00 |
 | 308 | "HUMP & GROOVES" BRACELETS Medium to large, round or oval body brass bracelet with distinctive ends as shown. Generally some etched designs or enhancement around the >-shaped groove. Some of the round-end Hammered Bar bracelets (above) have an etched >> at ends echoing this design. Though not scarce, I have not found an attribution for this distinctive bracelet. Many specimens have later had one or both sides flattened somewhat, probably to facilitate stacking (see #310 below). Scan shows mixed sizes. | |
| 308a | Hump & Groove: Large: 86-94m 423-630gm | 90.00 |
| 308b | Hump & Groove: Medium: 82m 258, 298gm | 65.00 |
| 308f | Hump & Groove: Sides flattened, smaller: 78-90m 221-305gm | 55.00 |
 | 310 | STACKING BRACELETS A common class, consisting of both drawn-rod and hammered-bar bracelets, brass or copper. They are generally plain, sometimes with etched designs toward the ends, but flattened one one or both sides. At least some were hammered after use, some possibly cast this way. No doubt this reflects a local preference for easily stackable pieces. The brass Lobolo bracelet (Quiggin p.105, fig.30) of Mozambique is probably an example. Scan shows mixed sizes. | |
| 310a | Stacking Bracelets: Heaviest (Cast bars pounded to shape): 76-91m 202-256, 339gm | 35.00 |
| 310b | Stacking Bracelets: Medium-heavy (Rods bent to shape): 73-101m 112-176gm | 20.00 |
| 310c | Stacking Bracelets: Medium-light (Rods bent to shape): 62-77m 70-115gm | 16.50 |
 | 310d | Stacking Bracelets: Light (Drawn wire bent to shape): 60-83m 30-49gm | 11.00 |
 | 310d | Small examples with engraving: .1 66gm, 82m, also showing segment of top design $15, and .2 35g, 53m, unusually small piece $10 | |
 | 310f | Stacking Bracelets: Armband size (Drawn wire): 82-99m 40-70gm | 17.50 |
 | 310j | Stacking Bracelets: West African-style pieces with close hatching (similar to #225, Dogon), slight flattening. Hardly attractive, but may be important as showing characteristics of both West and Central African types. 68-72m 53-101gm | 20.00 |
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LARGER | REF# | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
 | 319a | OVAMBO COLLAR Massive plain round brass bar in crescent shape. Appears to be same type as Der Primitivgeldsammler 1988 V 2 Ovambo, a tribe in Namibia and Angola. Probably a bullion, not ceremonial piece. 84, 95 ozs, 27-32m gauge, 185-205m across dark-toned | 90.00 |
 | 319t | Ovambo Collar section 48 oz, 6.25" segment, one end rough, other smooth. Well patinated. | 28.50 |
 | 322a | VaLENGE COLLAR Large, heavy, plain round brass bar in crescent shape. Appears to be same type as Der Primitivgeldsammler 1992 V 3 Thonga & VaLenge, tribes in Mozambique. Probably a bullion, not ceremonial piece. 47,49,51,54.5 ozs, 20-22m gauge, 185-245m across Two specimens shown. | 75.00 |
 | 322b | VaLENGE COLLAR Fractional units? 31,35oz, 17-18m gauge, 150-155m Two specimens shown. | 40.00 |
 | 324b | Mbole? Brass. Circular shape with narrow opening, plain rounded gauge tapering toward enlarged points at ends, etched rectangular tab at top. Larger, fancier version of an item published in The Art of Money - African Metal Work and Currency (.pdf), an exhibition at the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts in Eatonville, FL May-Aug, 2007, curated by Eric D. Robertson (I can send you by email). 78.5 oz. (2.22K), 9.5 x 11" (240 x 285m). Two nearly identical pieces in stock. | $225 |
 | 330 | NKUTSHU(?) BULLION BRACELET Heavy cast copper bars bent to ring shape with numerous hammer marks on surface, similar to pieces in Der Primitivgeldsammler 1992 vol.2 as Nkutshu (Tetela, Hamba, Onga) or North Kasai, Zaire. Gauge: 35-40m. Weights (63,74,84,88,97,107 Oz.) indicate they traded by weight rather than unit. Typical piece shown. | 85.00 |
| 330c | Nkutshu(?) Bullion Bracelet: Unusually small for type, 45
oz., still thick gauge: 29m | 75.00 |
 | 331 | NKUTSHU(?) BULLION BRACELET As above, but bent into a closed ring 115m across, gauge 29mm. Weight 57Oz. | 85.00 |
 | 333 | NKUTSHU(?) BULLION BRACELET Smaller pieces in both size and gauge, some with flat sides for stacking, or slightly flared ends, there appears to be no regularity in the weights, but they fall into categories by thickness (gauge). Scan shows mixed sizes. | |
 | 333n | Nkutshu(?) Bullion Bracelet: 24m gauge, 39 oz. (1.1K), 5+" (135m) Ends irregularly cut, as shown. | 75.00 |
| 333a | Nkutshu(?) Bullion Bracelet: Thick-gauge 16-23 Oz (some variety of shapes) | 55.00 |
| 333b | Nkutshu(?) Bullion Bracelet: Medium gauge: 9-12 oz | 35.00 |
| 333c | Nkutshu(?) Bullion Bracelet: Thinner gauge: 5-6.5 oz | 25.00 |
 | 333j | NKUTSHU(?) BULLION BRACELET Smoothly-finished, squared piece with ends that meet. 42 Oz; 120m across. A geographical or tribal variation of the rougher bullion bracelets? | 75.00 |
 | 335a | SQUARED LEGBANDMasssive, squared copper bar with four outer ridges and simple punched circle designs. Does not show interior wear indicating that it was worn, so probably strictly a bullion piece. 145 x 120 x 60m; 125 oz. | 200.00 |
| 335b | Squared Legband: Specimen with crack completely through. Though not separated, should be handled carefully. 112 oz. | 95.00 |
 | 325d | UNATRIBUTED ZAIRE COLLAR #1 Brass collar of relatively thin gauge with one end tapered. Chevron (<<<<<) etching at ends. Purchased in a lot with other types of Zaire necklaces & bracelets. 185m across, 13m gauge, 19 0zs (.54 Kilo) | 50.00 |
 | 325E | UNATRIBUTED ZAIRE COLLAR #2 Brass. Circular ring with narrow gap. Deeply etched design at ends. 15 oz. (.425K), 5.75" (146m). Darkly toned, some stable green, orange-brown soil adhesions. | 50.00 |
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LARGER | REF# | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
 | 340M | KING MANILLA Copper. Broad crescent with slightly splayed ends. Etched pattern at ends and across top but mostly hidden by rough surface. 24 oz. (.68K), 8.5" (210m). Darkly toned, some stable green. Additional King manillas offered HERE | 90.00 |
 | 346C | PRINCE MANILLA Copper. Squared U-shape with slightly splayed ends. 24 oz. (.68K), 6.5" (167m). Darkly toned, some stable green. | 110.00 |
 | 346E | PRINCE MANILLA Copper. Squared U-shape with slightly splayed ends. Simple etched design of hatched lines on outer surfaces. 6 oz. (.17K), 5" (122m). Darkly toned, some stable green. | 50.00 |
 | 351B | "PRINCESS" MANILLA? Copper. More crescent shaped and ends less splayed than typical King manilla, but the etching over most of the outer surface suggests it is a ceremonial rather than bullion piece. 56 oz. (1.59K), 8" (203m). Apparently acid cleaned to remove green, I have stabilized and coated with Ren wax to seal surface. Designs still fairly clear, but very rough. | 85.00 |
 | 353C | ONGANDA MANILLA Jonga & Mongo Tribes, Zaire. Ballarini (#72) mentions named denominations, but specimens vary considerably in weight with no pattern, so I believe traded as a bullion item. A small (150m) piece was worth 10 Belgian Francs in 1950. Darkly toned brass with four flat facets and slightly bluging square ends, hatching design along ridges. I have broken into arbitrary categories. Definitely your best buy in a large Manilla! 89-92 oz. 11-12.5 inches | 165.00 |
| 353D | Onganda Manilla: Lighter, not necessarily smaller: 70-83 oz. 11.5 inches | 135.00 |
| 353E | Onganda Manilla: Lighter: 56-69 oz., 10.5 - 11.5 inches | 110.00 |
| 353G | Onganda Manilla: 44-55oz., 10-5 - 11 inches | 75.00 |
 | 355 | "WORKING QUEEN" MANILLA Copper, crimped crescent shape with flared, bulbous ends, eight facets. No etching. Probably the commonest large manilla type. Opitz p.214.calls it a Prince, worth 50 ordinary manillas, and it appears to be a working bullion piece rather than a ceremonial item. The weight range is just about the average for the Handa ("Katanga") Cross, and I suspect there is some relationship between these two forms. Could these be recast crosses?? Ballarini (1998 p.5) attributes it to the Jonga, Nkutshu & Mongo peoples of the Congo Dem. Rep. 31-35 oz (±8.8-9.9k), 8" across. Usually squared profile, as shown. SPECIAL | 75.00 |
 | 355s | "WORKING QUEEN" small Short, thick examples. Specimens shown are (left to right) 28, 28, and 34.5 oz. | 75.00 |
