Bronze Manilla

This is a spiral of twisted bronze, sometimes known as a Manilla, and used as currency in Nigeria. Though it was made in Nigeria, it is included as it was originally collected by a member of Sierra Leone's Krio community, Archdeacon D. C. Crowther, son of Bishop Crowther, the first Anglican Bishop in Nigeria. From the mid-nineteenth century, Krio traders, missionaries and professionals settled along the coast of West Africa and in settlements on the Niger River. This Krio diaspora maintained close links with Sierra Leone through steam shipping lines, and objects from throughout the region found their way to Freetown where they were sometimes acquired by European collectors. Archdeacon D. C. Crowther led the Niger Delta Pastorate Mission at Bonny and became part of the independent African church movement in 1892.

Further Information

  • Type: Currency
  • Object: Bronze Manilla
  • Materials: Metal
  • Culture Group: Other, Krio
  • Dimensions: 90 mm
  • Production Date: Pre 1920
  • Associated Places: South Eastern Nigeria: Bonny: Tete Ogugu (Collected and created)
  • Associated People: Rev. Archdeacon D.C. Crowther (Collector); A. Ridyard (Donor)
  • Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
  • Accession Number: LIVCM.31.5.20.1