Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Forged in quantity, and no two alike.

The Kissi smiths of Sierra Leone made these long twisted rods in the 20th century, and they were used in buying, selling and bride-wealth across the region. This one is nine and three quarter inches long, with a small flared crossbar at one end and a rugged, irregular paddle at the other. The shaft twists unevenly and bows slightly through the middle. Warm coppery brown, with crusty texture on the paddle.

A record of a working life. It does not mention the interest rate.