A remarkable discovery has brought the past to life in Elem Kalabari, Rivers State. During a recent digging operation, a collection of historical artifacts was uncovered beneath the soil, shedding light on the region’s rich cultural and economic heritage.
Among the finds is a metal object resembling a chain, known as a “Manilla.” This crescent-shaped item served as a form of currency across West Africa until the 1940s and was also worn as a symbol of wealth and status. Alongside the Manilla, several bottles were unearthed, including a standout piece: a V. Hoytema & Co. gin bottle dating back to 1790. These bottles were originally used to transport Dutch gin to the New Calabar River area, now part of modern-day Kalabari in Rivers State.
Some of these fascinating artifacts have found a home at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, where they are now on display for the world to see. The discovery was beautifully documented in photographs by Anab’s Power Kind, preserving this moment of historical significance for future generations.
This find not only highlights the deep historical ties of the Kalabari people to global trade but also underscores the enduring legacy embedded in the soil of Rivers State.
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