Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Rope, but iron. That is the first impression of this Kissi penny.

Forged in Sierra Leone, 20th century, eleven and a half inches long. Twisted rods like it served as everyday and ceremonial money among the Kissi, gathered in bundles and given in marriage payments. The twist here is pronounced and somewhat gnarled, giving the shaft a rope-like texture. A thin, flared fin closes one end. An irregular, roughly circular ear closes the other. The dark metal carries a mottled patina with lighter traces of wear.

Currency with a grip.