Kissi Iron Penny Currency

An orange-brown rust, even as a sunset, with darker patches where the metal is thicker.

This Kissi penny was forged in Sierra Leone in the 20th century and runs eighteen inches. Such twisted rods were a recognized currency in the region, used in buying and selling and in social payments such as bride wealth. One end flares into a wide, upright crossbar; the other narrows to a small knotted paddle. Between them the shaft twists gently and thins toward the smaller end.

A long, delicate line. Quietly graphic, and quick to make friends with a white wall.