About
Old Calabar in Cross River State was one of the primary coastal trading ports where European brass manillas (horseshoe-shaped bracelets) were exchanged for goods. Manillas served as currency across southern Nigeria from the 15th century until they were officially demonetized by the British colonial government in 1948. An estimated 35-40 million manillas were imported into West Africa.
Location Details
Latitude:
4.95
Longitude:
8.32
Approximate (within town)
About This Data
Currency and trade sites represent locations associated with pre-colonial Nigerian economic systems and trade networks.
Locations are based on historical trade route documentation and archaeological evidence.
Sources
-
Nigerian Trade History Documentation
Academic (compiled)