Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Eight inches. Among its fellows, one of the shortest. Not the least.

A Kissi penny from Sierra Leone, forged in the 20th century. These iron rods were money, given in bridewealth and other exchanges. A tightly twisted shaft runs from a small flared crossbar to a rough, knobbly paddle, its surface lumped and folded by the forge. The iron is pale and silvery-gray, streaked darker. Its small scale and irregular end give it an appealing, almost organic character.

The forge had opinions, and left them showing.