Kissi Iron Penny Currency

Marriage, in parts of Sierra Leone, was settled in iron.

The Kissi and their neighbors used long twisted rods as currency, exchanging them in marriage payments and other important transactions. This one, forged in the 20th century, is about nine and three quarter inches. The thin shaft twists with a lively, irregular rhythm. One end is hammered into a small flat crossbar. The other spreads into a broad, ruffled fan. Dark brown, with flashes of lighter tone along the twists.

In a group, these make a study in line. Singly, they make a decent argument for iron.