Kissi pennies

Dateca. 1800-1900

MediumIron

DimensionsEach approx.: 14 1/2 x 1 5/8 x 1/8 inches (36.8 x 4.1 x 0.3 cm)

CultureKissi (Liberia)

ClassificationsMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Dorothy Brill Robbins, Class of 1933

Terms

Liberia
Metalwork
Iron
Money
Kissi

Object number89.016.004

Label CopyBRIEF DESCRIPTION These thin iron rods were used as a form of currency among the Kissi people up until the 1970s. There is evidence that they still may be used for ritual and ceremonial purposes. WHERE WAS IT MADE? The Kissi live in an area that crosses the borders of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. These pennies were made in Liberia. HOW WAS IT MADE? Kissi pennies were made by community blacksmiths who were believed to possess enormous spiritual power, as well as a deep understanding of the mysterious process of metalwork. It was their job to produce and repair metalwork. Smelted and forged of iron, Kissi pennies were called “coins with soul.” If a penny broke, it was rendered useless until a blacksmith could repair it, thereby “restoring its soul.” HOW WAS IT USED? Kissi pennies were used as a form of currency. Individual pennies were typically bundled up and tied together in order to form larger values, as seen in this set. In addition to the general-purpose circulation, there is much documentation that Kissi money served as bridal money. As was customary in other areas of Western Africa, a future bridegroom was expected to recompense his bride’s parents, who were seen as losing the help and service of their daughter. WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE THIS? Kissi pennies are typically 9-15 inches in length and are formed from two twisted iron rods. You will notice that each end is flattened, with one end in the shape of a “T” and the other with a broader, leaf-like form. This shape vaguely resembles the human form, and may allude to the belief that each penny possesses a soul. Laurel Garber ’10 contributed to this entry.

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