These brass anklets are worn in West Africa by young women who are ready to marry, symbolizing the transition from childhood to adulthood. Worn by the Igbo people of Nigeria, they also represent wealth. These examples are 322 mm in diameter.
© Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives
Accession reference: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives, E4289/4290
Themes
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Africa before Transatlantic Enslavement
The history of Africa and African people does not begin nor end with transatlantic slavery. Understand what Africa was like and what the continent lost as a result of the trade.
Background Reading
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The Lost Libraries Of Timbuktu
Until recently, many commentators on Africa claimed that African societies had no tradition of writing. With the rediscovery of ancient manuscript collections, some dating back to the 8th century AD, this perception is changing.
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Introduction To Various African Kingdoms