Congolese Sword Currency, Based

Seventy inches of blade that never saw combat.

Across Central Africa, oversized blades forged in the shape of weapons served as stores of wealth and as payments in marriage and other important exchanges. This one, from the Republic of Congo, 20th century, is remarkably tall. A narrow blade with a raised central ridge runs to a fine point, then flares at the base into a broad, angular foot shaped like a spade. Pale gray, weathered, flecked with darker marks. Mounted upright on a small black base.

Bold, vertical, and entirely peaceable.