Which artifact from the source materials was used as currency in West Africa and melted to make Benin bronzes?

Which artifact from the source materials was used as currency in West Africa and melted to make Benin bronzes?

• A. Pastel
• B. Matrix
• C. Manillas
• D. Mummification

Answer: (C)

Manillas are the metal bracelets that served as currency in West Africa and were widely traded. Because they were valuable metal, they could be melted down to supply the brass used for Benin bronzes, linking a form of money directly to the material for royal sculptures. In other words, these currency objects doubled as a metal source for the bronzes. Pastel is a drawing medium, not a currency or metal. A matrix refers to a mold or container used in printing or casting, not a currency item connected to Benin bronzes. Mummification is an Egyptian practice of preserving bodies, unrelated to West African trade or Benin artistic production.

Manillas are the metal bracelets that served as currency in West Africa and were widely traded. Because they were valuable metal, they could be melted down to supply the brass used for Benin bronzes, linking a form of money directly to the material for royal sculptures. In other words, these currency objects doubled as a metal source for the bronzes.

Pastel is a drawing medium, not a currency or metal. A matrix refers to a mold or container used in printing or casting, not a currency item connected to Benin bronzes. Mummification is an Egyptian practice of preserving bodies, unrelated to West African trade or Benin artistic production.