Congolese Sword Currency

Too large and too thin to cut anything. Exactly right for a marriage.

This sword currency from the Republic of Congo dates to the 20th century and stands sixty-four inches tall. Oversized blades of this kind were exchanged in marriage payments and displayed as signs of standing. The long blade tapers to a point and is divided by a central ridge; toward the bottom it flares abruptly into a broad, pointed diamond before ending in a short tang. Faint hammer marks and fine lines show along the dark surface, and two small rivets sit near the middle.

Spare. Dramatic. Close to sculpture.