Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Eleven inches long, and it catches the light where hands have worn the metal bright.

Kissi smiths of Sierra Leone made this iron currency rod in the 20th century. Kissi pennies were a long-lived form of money in the region bordering Guinea and Liberia, typically bound in bundles for larger exchanges such as bridewealth. Its narrow shaft is tightly twisted with a gentle wave along its length. One end opens into a flat, flared crossbar; the other carries a small, rough, irregular paddle.

The surface is dark brown with warm rust tones.

Mount it, or let it lie. It draws either way.