Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Bundles of set numbers, tied and counted. Money, in the forest country, had a certain tidiness.

Kissi smiths of Sierra Leone forged this twisted iron rod in the 20th century. Kissi pennies were a familiar form of money across the region shared by Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, and larger transactions called for the bundles. Just under ten inches long, this one has a straight, finely twisted shaft with a few knotted swellings along its length. One end is a crisp, narrow T-shaped bar; the other opens into a rough, rounded paddle with a jagged outline.

Dark gunmetal brown, slightly lustrous, hammered.

Small enough to pocket. Old enough to have opinions.