Legal Tender, Iron : 2015.3.10

Title:

Legal Tender

Object Name:

Legal Tender, Iron

Other Name:

Currency

Place of Origin:

Kissi, Liberia, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
L = 12—1/2" to 17—3/4"

Kissi Money was used in the west African region that is now the nations of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. These twisted iron bars had a �T� shape at one end and a hoe—like spatula shape at the other. The length varied from 9 to 15 inches, depending on the value.

If an iron rod would accidentally break, it could no longer circulate and its value could only be restored in a special ceremony performed by the Zoe, the traditional witchdoctor � often the blacksmith � who, for a fee, would rejoin the broken pieces and reincarnate the escaped soul. Therefore, it was said that Kissi money was �money with a soul�.

Kissi money was gradually replaced by western currencies in the 20th century, and is now used only for ritual ceremonies, sacrifices, and to decorate graves.

Description:

13 long thin pieces of twisted and shaped iron. Forming a pointed T—like shape on one side and pounded flat on the opposite side. Varying in lengths and slightly rusted.

Collection:

Marianne Keown Collection

Material:

Iron

Used:

Domestic Use

Technique:

Metal Works

Owned:

Art Department, Missouri Southern State University

Accession#:

2015.3.10