Kissi Forged Iron Penny Currency, Based

Along the border of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, money was a twisted rod of iron. It also kept company with the dead.

These Kissi pennies circulated widely as currency, used for bridewealth and other important exchanges, and were also placed on graves. This one was forged in Sierra Leone in the 20th century, just over twenty-one inches tall. A single slender shaft, hand twisted along its length. At the top, a small, irregular flattened head. At the base, the rod splits into two short flared feet.

The iron is warm rust-brown, with the texture of age.

A long, wavering line. Calligraphy for the metallurgically inclined.