Mbuti Spear-Form Currency

A spear, pared down to the idea of a spear.

Attributed to the Mbuti of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in bronze, nineteen and a half inches. In Central Africa, objects shaped like spears, knives and hoes served as currency, used in bridewealth and trade and valued for the skill in their making. A slender shaft, a narrow leaf-shaped blade at one end, a long fine point at the other. Earthy reddish-brown patina, slightly rough along the blade.

Lay it flat on a wall. It reads like a stroke of the pen.