Azande Knife Currency, Wall Mounted

Five fingers on each hand, and a spine of chevrons down the middle.

This knife currency, mounted for the wall, is Azande, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan or Central African Republic, Central or East Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is iron. Iron currencies in Central Africa were often forged in ceremonial or figural shapes too elaborate for practical use. The figure is long and narrow, its hips drawn in sharp angles and its arms lifted straight up. Two columns of chevrons run from neck to waist, and a fine incised border follows every edge. A narrow slot opens near the base before the blade narrows to a point. It is 8.5 inches wide and 22.5 high.

Cash, with posture.