Kirdi tribe, Nigeria, Early 20th century

27"H X 11" W X 5"D

This, like all currency, was valued primarily for its metal content. The whimsical "rooster crest" shape establishes it as an aesthetic shape for display. This crested metal currency piece comes from tribal groups in northeast Nigeria. Its form reminds us of the bird of paradise flowers that we see when we walk the quiet lanes of Key West or the proud roosters that strut through our streets.