It seems the manilla was actually a primary means of exchange in the slave trade, so the presence of these in the proximity of a slave ship wreck such as the Whydah is pretty compelling suggestion that these were probably directly connected in that trade.
Apparently the 16th century price for a slave was 8 to 10 manillas so that is a strong indicator.
While these may not have been intended as ornament, they may have been worn on the wrists as a means of holding them. In many cultures the items of jewelry or other items such as this while worn on the person, are used as currency.
Mark, I agree totally with your take on Barry Clifford. While he may not make points as man of the hour in certain groups, his efforts have given us so much in the understanding and appreciation of the times of piracy. His persona as a bit of a scalawag seems as you say, quite in kind with the figures we study.
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