Igbo Copper Spear Currency

A thin iron shaft, a leaf-shaped tip, and a tail of curved prongs.

Igbo smiths of Nigeria, West Africa, forged this spear-form currency in copper and iron in the 20th century. Forged iron pieces of this kind were commonly used as a medium of exchange or bridewealth in parts of West and Central Africa, and are not working weapons. A long slender rod rises to a flat spear point of reddish metal, and below it the rod is bound with wrapped wire where it splits into several curving legs. The surface is dark and slightly rusted.

About 56 inches long. Stand it in a corner and call it a very tall idea.