Kissi Pennies
Liberia or Sierra Leone
Early 20th Century. Iron
Provenance: Private NYC collection
 
Kissi money was introduced at the end of the 19th century as a form of currency along the boarder regions of today's Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. The shape of Kissi money is peculiar. Long iron rods with flattened ends were either tied or twisted and welded together. Larger denominations of Kissi money were forged in conjunction, and created by twisting several rods together, similar to this example. When Kissi money fell out of use in the early-mid 20th century, it assumed a ritual status and was used in some types of Poro ceremonies. It also assumed a protective fetishes status and is believed to posses magical powers.
 
H: 15 1/2 in
IN 03-4-15/ Price: $950