Chamba Snake-Form Currency, Based

Serpents climb a single iron stem, each twisting its own way.

This snake-form currency was forged in iron by Chamba smiths of Nigeria, West Africa, in the 20th century. Forged iron pieces were commonly traded as currency across the region, valued for the labor in them. A narrow stem bound with wire at the top opens into several tightly coiled, corkscrew strands that rise to fine points. The metal is a warm golden brown with a dull sheen, and the twists catch the light unevenly. It is mounted on a flat black base.

About twenty inches tall. Lively beside anything square.