Kirdi Iron Currency Bundle

With flared hourglass shape and tightly coiled ends, this bundle of iron currency pieces is imbued with a sense of tension and movement - despite being completely rigid and immobile. Likely the result of the cultural overlap of the early 20th century, the currency bundle displays a blend of motifs found in tribal art, most notably the spiral formation common in Kirdi metalwork as a sign of the blacksmith's skill. Used to negotiate major life transactions such as weddings, iron currency pieces such as this were also potent symbols of wealth and power.