Nigeria’s Ancient Currencies: Cowries, Brass, and the Origins of Trade

Before modern monetary systems shaped economies, Nigerian societies flourished with distinct currencies that intertwined deeply with their cultures, spiritual beliefs, and economic networks. Cowrie shells, with their elegant simplicity, and brass manilas, representing craftsmanship and status, were much more than tools for trade. These currencies embodied Nigeria’s diverse communities’ ingenuity, adaptability, and cultural identity.  

The legacies of these ancient currencies extend far beyond their use in transactions. They reflect a history of global connectivity, local innovation, and enduring artistry, offering insights into how traditional societies understood and organised their worlds. By exploring these currencies, we uncover the deep connections between trade, spirituality, and artistic expression that continue to shape Nigeria’s heritage.  

Cowries: The Currency That Crossed Oceans and Cultures

Cowries, originating from the Indian Ocean’s Maldive Islands, were transported to West Africa along trans-Saharan trade routes and later through European maritime traders during the 16th and 17th centuries. Their adoption as currency across Nigeria’s pre-colonial societies was driven by their portability, durability, and intrinsic beauty, making them ideal for everyday transactions and significant purchases.  

In the Oyo Empire, cowries played a pivotal role in sustaining expansive trade networks that connected the empire to other regions in West Africa. Similarly, the Benin Kingdom used cowries to facilitate commerce with European merchants, especially during the height of the Atlantic trade. Markets like Oyo Ile and Kano became bustling centres where cowries circulated as a trusted medium of exchange for commodities such as textiles, gold, and enslaved people.  

Beyond their economic use, cowries held profound cultural significance. Cowries were closely associated with the deity Olokun among the Yoruba, symbolising wealth, prosperity, and fertility. They were also integral to divination practices, particularly by Ifa priests, who interpreted patterns from thrown cowries to provide spiritual guidance. Cowries further adorned ceremonial garments, jewellery, and shrines, signifying status, protection, and connection to the divine.  

Legacy and Significance

Cowries remain deeply embedded in Nigerian culture today. Their image often features traditional art, fashion, and modern currency design. Their symbolic association with wealth and beauty ensures their continued presence in cultural expressions, demonstrating the enduring legacy of this ancient form of currency.  

Brass and Metal Currencies: The Wealth of Craftsmanship and Status

Brass currencies, including manilas and rods, were prominent in high-value transactions across Nigeria. Manilas, shaped like open bracelets, were primarily used in southeastern Nigeria, while brass rods were widespread in the northern and western regions. These currencies not only facilitated trade but also showcased Nigeria’s metallurgical expertise.  

The production and use of brass manilas surged during the Atlantic slave trade, where they were exchanged for enslaved individuals, ivory, and other goods. They became symbols of wealth and power, often reserved for significant transactions such as marriage dowries, land purchases, and dispute settlement. In northern Nigeria, brass rods played a crucial role in the trans-Saharan trade, linking local economies to Mediterranean and North African markets. The Kano Emirate was particularly instrumental in using brass as currency while promoting its integration into broader trade networks.  

Brass currencies also carried social and ceremonial importance. Among the Igbo, manilas were central to marriage negotiations and often included in burial rites, reflecting their role in preserving social structures and honouring the deceased. The intricate designs on brass artefacts highlighted Nigeria’s artistic excellence, further elevating their value.  

Legacy and Significance

Today, brass currencies are celebrated as symbols of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. They are preserved in museums and private collections, reminding them of the sophisticated trade systems and artistic craftsmanship that defined pre-colonial Nigeria. Their influence extends to contemporary jewellery and decorative arts, reflecting their lasting cultural resonance.  

The Transition to Modern Currencies

The decline of cowries and brass currencies in Nigeria began with the arrival of British colonial powers in the 19th century. The British introduced coin-based and paper currencies to unify trade and integrate Nigeria into the global economy, replacing traditional forms of exchange deemed unsuitable for large-scale trade and taxation.

Cowries and brass manilas had long symbolised wealth, status, and even spiritual beliefs in Nigerian societies, serving as essential tools in commerce and social relations. The British-imposed monetary systems aimed to standardise Nigeria’s economy, facilitating the colonial administration’s control over trade and resources.

This shift disrupted local economic practices that were deeply tied to cultural traditions. Cowries, once used for everyday transactions, rituals and even marriage payments, were relegated to a secondary role, their significance in economic life gradually fading. Brass manilas, intricately designed metal forms of currency used in various regions, also lost their prominence as British coins took precedence in the marketplace.

Despite this, Nigerian communities demonstrated resilience. They embraced the new currencies while continuing to honour the cultural legacy of cowries and brass through art, ceremonies, and storytelling. Though no longer dominant in economic transactions, these currencies retained their place in cultural expression, representing the ingenuity and cultural pride of Nigeria’s past.

The transition to coin-based systems also brought the imposition of taxation, which was foreign to many Nigerian societies that relied on more flexible, community-based forms of exchange. Despite these challenges, Nigeria’s rich pre-colonial heritage remained intact, evidenced by the continued reverence for cowries and brass in the country’s art, crafts, and rituals. The resilience shown by Nigerian communities highlights the adaptability of traditional systems in the face of external change. Today, these ancient currencies symbolise Nigeria’s vibrant past, reflecting a long history of global interconnectedness through trade. Their enduring significance offers essential cultural preservation, innovation, and identity lessons.

Legacy and Significance

The replacement of traditional currencies still needs to erase their historical importance. Cowries and brass remain symbols of Nigeria’s ingenuity and connection to global trade. Their legacy is evident in modern currency designs, where motifs of cowries and traditional art reflect pride in Nigeria’s cultural past. These currencies continue to inspire artists, historians, and cultural enthusiasts, ensuring their relevance in contemporary discussions of heritage and identity.  

Conclusion  

The history of Nigeria’s ancient currencies—cowries and brass—demonstrates its people’s creativity, resilience, and interconnectedness. These currencies were more than just economic tools; they embodied spiritual beliefs, artistic traditions, and societal values. Cowries symbolised wealth, fertility, and divination, while brass manilas were cherished for their craftsmanship and symbolic meaning, deeply integrated into trade, culture, and identity.

The use of these currencies across regions shows how Nigerian societies connected with global trade networks, blending foreign influences with local traditions. As Nigeria moves forward, these ancient currencies are potent symbols of its rich heritage, offering lessons in innovation, adaptation, and cultural pride. By preserving their history, we honour the creativity of those who shaped Nigeria’s economic and cultural past, providing a lasting legacy for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What main currencies were used in pre-colonial Nigeria, and how were they obtained?

This question addresses the origins and circulation of cowries and brass, exploring their sources (e.g., trade routes and local production) and the societies that widely adopted them.  

2. Why were cowrie shells and brass currencies preferred as mediums of exchange?

This explores their portability, durability, and symbolic value, highlighting their practical and cultural significance in facilitating trade and status.  

3. How did using ancient currencies influence Nigeria’s participation in global trade networks?

This focuses on the connections between Nigerian communities and trans-Saharan, Atlantic, and European trade systems, examining how these currencies integrated local economies into a global context.  

4. What cultural and spiritual significance did cowries and brass hold in Nigerian societies?

This investigates the role of these currencies in rituals, religious practices, and social hierarchies, showcasing their value beyond economic transactions.  

5. What is the legacy of cowries and brass currencies in modern Nigeria?

This considers how these ancient currencies are remembered, their influence on contemporary art, culture, and currency design, and their importance as heritage symbols.