Imposing bracelet, ancient currency, primitive art, iron and brass, West Africa, 941 g - West Africa (No reserve price)

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€ 1
No reserve price
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
FR
€1

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Imposing West African antique money bracelet of primitivist art, in brass and iron alloy, weighing 0.941 kg, dating from the early 20th century, from a private collection.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Authentic West African menilla bracelet monnaie (manilla) in brass alloy (bronze) and iron.

A detailed description will be provided later, but for now I will present an overview of all 24 listings of objects whose provenance remains exceptional, a scientific and primitive art treasure.

Discover among my 24 listings a unique historical ensemble, kept intact and preserved within my family for more than 70 years, because an elder family member worked at the prestigious Bureau of Geologic al and Mining Research (BRGM) during the 1950s. These pieces are part of a spectacular field collection.

The collection is documented by its wooden transport case with colonial BRGM Natitingou-Dahomey inscriptions, the former name of today’s Benin; it is also documented by an exceptional set of 26 geological maps with explanatory notes dating from surveys conducted between 1935 and 1961.

Among my 24 listings, you will find an exceptional King Manilla weighing over 3.8 kg.

Each lot (24 in total) is a fragment of this historic geological expedition.

Magnificent manilla or bracelet-monnaie used as a currency of exchange for important transactions or dowry, its weight of 941 grams makes it a heavy and massive exceptional piece.

It features beautiful hand-engraved geometric motifs on the ends and body of the bracelet.

Excellent vintage condition, in its original patina.

Authentic collectible item.

Authentic West African menilla bracelet monnaie (manilla) in brass alloy (bronze) and iron.

A detailed description will be provided later, but for now I will present an overview of all 24 listings of objects whose provenance remains exceptional, a scientific and primitive art treasure.

Discover among my 24 listings a unique historical ensemble, kept intact and preserved within my family for more than 70 years, because an elder family member worked at the prestigious Bureau of Geologic al and Mining Research (BRGM) during the 1950s. These pieces are part of a spectacular field collection.

The collection is documented by its wooden transport case with colonial BRGM Natitingou-Dahomey inscriptions, the former name of today’s Benin; it is also documented by an exceptional set of 26 geological maps with explanatory notes dating from surveys conducted between 1935 and 1961.

Among my 24 listings, you will find an exceptional King Manilla weighing over 3.8 kg.

Each lot (24 in total) is a fragment of this historic geological expedition.

Magnificent manilla or bracelet-monnaie used as a currency of exchange for important transactions or dowry, its weight of 941 grams makes it a heavy and massive exceptional piece.

It features beautiful hand-engraved geometric motifs on the ends and body of the bracelet.

Excellent vintage condition, in its original patina.

Authentic collectible item.

Details

Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
West Africa
Period
Early 20th century
Material
Brass, Bronze, Iron (cast), Iron (cast/wrought)
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Imposing bracelet, ancient currency, primitive art, iron and brass, West Africa, 941 g
Height
113 mm
Width
110 mm
Depth
30 mm
Weight
0.94 kg
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
FranceVerified
67
Objects sold
Private

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