German brass for Benin Bronzes: Geochemical analysis insights into the early Atlantic trade

Utilizing geochemical analysis, this study identifies the sources of European brass used in the casting of the renowned Benin Bronzes, produced by the Edo people of Nigeria. It is commonly believed that distinctive brass rings known as manillas, used as currency in the European trade in West Africa, also served as a metal source for the making of the Bronzes. However, prior to the current study, no research had conclusively connected the Benin artworks and the European manillas. For this research, manillas from shipwrecks in African, American and European waters dating between the 16th and 19th Century were analysed using ICP-MS analysis. Comparing trace elements and lead isotope ratios of manillas and Benin Bronzes identifies Germany as the principal source of the manillas used in the West African trade between the 15(th) and 18(th) centuries before British industries took over the brass trade in the late 18(th) century.

Automated summary

Using geochemical analysis, this study traces the origin of European brass used in the production of the famous Benin Bronzes by the Edo people of Nigeria. It confirms that manillas, brass rings used as currency in the European trade in West Africa, were indeed a metal source for the Bronzes. Previous research had not provided conclusive evidence linking the Benin artworks and the European manillas. By analyzing manillas from shipwrecks in African, American, and European waters, this study identifies Germany as the main source of manillas in the West African trade between the 15th and 18th centuries, before British industries took over in the late 18th century.