The object J.0097 is a copper alloy pin with a length of approximately 90 mm, bent by a whole copper alloy strip from the
middle into a U shape with the width of approximately 35 mm, which has an oval
curvature and two parallel branches with the width of approximately 15 mm. The
cross section of the strip is generally a 3 mm*4 mm rectangle, and it is not
completely straight. The tips of the two branches used to be sharpened. There
are curves on one of the branches. With an uneven layer of corrosion, it has a
rough surface covered by metal oxides, which give the surface a green and brown
appearance. From the places that are not covered by metal oxides, it can be
seen that the metal inside has a dark grey colour. There is a group of number 328 197 written by ink on one of the
branches of the object and is partly covered by a thin layer of transparent
resin as protection. There is no decoration on the object. Nor does it contain other
kinds of materials.
It is made by brass produced in local
area. The construction of the object is simple and clear. It is complete and
generally in good condition. The resin might be possible to fall off from the
surface. The metal oxides layer acts as a protection for the inner metal, while
there is abrasion on the edges of the object. The manufacture of the object
involves casting, bending, hammering and quenching.
By comparing with similar objects
from the same region, it can be demonstrated that the object is a kind of
general equivalent which can be used as both sacrifice and currency by the Aro
people during the past centuries. The functions as religious offering and
currency demonstrate rarity of the object, making it still have a high value in
academic studies as well as in museum collections, because it is a precious
sample for the researches about the culture, religion, and the metalworking
manufacture of the Aro people in Nigeria. Moreover, it is also an evidence of
the slave trade. As a witness of slavery supported by indigenous Nigerian
people, it is not only a significant evidence of the Aro people and the
Nigerian history, but also an alert to the future and to the entire world.
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