Nigerian Forged Iron Currency, Based

Sixty-five inches of iron, shaped like a flower that never needed water.

Across West Africa, iron worked into recognizable forms served as money, given in bridewealth and other significant exchanges. This forged currency is from Nigeria, 20th century. A long, thin rod rises to a cluster of flat, fan-like blades that open at the top much like petals, gathered by a small collar. The metal is dark gray-brown with spots of rust. It is mounted upright on a square base.

The eye travels upward and keeps going. Try a corner, or an entryway.