Yoruba Forged Iron Gong Currency

Iron, forged flat and long, with a sharp little spike on top for emphasis.

This gong currency is Yoruba, from Nigeria, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is forged iron. Across West Africa, iron was often worked into standardized shapes that served as a store of wealth and a medium of exchange, especially for bridewealth and other important payments. Here a long, round-topped blade rises from a straight lower edge, with a slender spike at the top. Near the top, a raised oval is outlined in small studs. The surface is weathered to a pale rust brown. It is 30.5 inches high and 11 wide.

Hard currency in the most literal sense.