Nkutshu Oshele or Knife Currency, Based

Wealth, in much of Central Africa, once came with a cutting edge.

Elaborately shaped iron blades served as a store of wealth and a means of exchange, used especially in bridewealth payments and given in recognition of status. This oshele, forged in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 20th century, is a flat sculptural blade nearly two feet tall. From a slender central stem three curving arms spread: a broad hooked crest at the top, a sharp triangular fin at the center, a crescent wing at the lower left.

The iron is dark and weathered, rust and blackened patches. Mounted on a black base. A bank account that would never pass a security check.