Congolese Forged Iron Sword Currency

Nearly five feet of forged iron, and not a weapon. Across Central Africa, iron worked into the shape of blades served as a store of value and a medium of exchange, and its size reflected the skill and metal invested in it.

The Republic of Congo, 20th century. The long, straight blade tapers gradually to a sharp point, with a central ridge along its length. At the lower end it flares into a broad, angular guard, warm with orange rust, above a short tang. The rest of the iron has a dark, weathered surface.

Stood upright, it carries itself as sculpture. Few swords look so peaceable.