French Southern Territories Girl Fashion Gold Bracelet Bangle Collection 145

French Southern Territories Girl Fashion Gold Bracelet Bangle Collection. 

 By Samina Aamir

While many of us in the Caribbean know that these “bangels” are somehow linked to slavery and the slave trade, many of us are unaware of the exact history and circumstances surrounding their usage. Although the size and composition of these “bangels” have changed, their form remains the same. What is interesting about their prevalence and usage today, is that they still hold true to its orijinal purpose of being a symbol of wealth.  Some might look at the continuation of these pieces in the form of fashion accessories as a way of preserving and  honouring their culture and history, however, others might look at it as a reminder of an unfortunate part of African history where Africans sold each other for a piece of metal.