Igbo Copper Currency, Nigeria, Based

Nearly five feet of forged iron, and not one of those inches was decoration. Or not only.

This Igbo currency from Nigeria dates to the 20th century. Iron objects shaped like spears and blades circulated across this part of West Africa as a store of value, and changed hands in marriage and other significant transactions. A slender, leaf-shaped spear point crowns the top. Below, four twisted iron rods spread outward and rejoin in an open, spindle-shaped cage. Copper wire is wrapped in bands along the shaft.

The metal is dark and weathered, with traces of rust. Stand it by a tall window. Money has seldom been so lanky.