Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Few things in West Africa are as quickly recognized as the Kissi penny. Few are as quietly handsome.

This one is hand-forged iron from Sierra Leone, 20th century, just under ten inches. Rods like it went out in bundles, for bridewealth, trade and ritual payments. Especially slender. The fine twisted shaft is drawn out between a small flared fin and a broader, ragged ear. The surface is darker gray-brown than most, flecked with pale highlights along the ridges of the twist.

Slender is a virtue in iron.