19th Century Antique African Kissi Pennies and Snake Currency Sculptures - a Pair

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"Money you don't tuck in a wallet!"

Description: Long and thick iron wires seated in a pair of rustic wood … Read more "Money you don't tuck in a wallet!"

Description: Long and thick iron wires seated in a pair of rustic wood bases.

About this item: Kissi Pennies "Money with a Soul", introduced by the Loma and Bandi people at the end of the 19th century, these long, thick iron wires were traded throughout Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. With the exception of Guinea, kissi pennies were still in use in the 1970s. The ends were flattened, with one of the ends shaped like a wing, and the wires were often bundled and twisted to create higher values. They were called "coins with a soul", and if a penny was broken, it could not circulate until repaired by a blacksmith, who would restore its "soul".

Also included is a beautifully hammered iron snake currency, Lobi people of Mali. For those needing protection from vipers and boa constrictors while working in the fields, the Lobi people wore these on their legs. Forged iron works like this snake were traded as currency.

Dimensions: Each sculpture group measures 18 L x 4.5 D x 21 H inches.

Includes: 33 pieces; (2) rustic wooden stands, (1) Lobi snake currency, (29) Kissi pennies, (1) information card. See less