Chamba Snake-Form Currency, Based

Iron, forged, then coaxed into flame.

Chamba smiths of Nigeria, West Africa, forged this snake-form currency in iron in the 20th century. Iron objects like this were commonly used as units of value in West and Central Africa, often in marriage payments and exchange. A stout shaft splits at the top into a fan of slender, wavering strands, each ending in a curled tip. The metal is rough and rust-brown, with the hammered texture intact. A black square metal base holds it upright.

Shown standing, it reads as a winter thicket. Or a very organized fire.