Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Eleven single Kissi pennies arranged on a wooden base

The shape of the Kissi money is rather odd. Its characteristic form is a twisted rod of iron with flattened ends: a flat, hoe-like spatula at one end (Nileng) and a sharpened ‘T’ at the other (Kodo) the bundle of 20 pieces was called Bournou. Kissi pennies were in use until mid 20th century.

A bundle of 10 thin twisted iron rods, with a flat flower-like shape at one end and a sharpened T at the other. The T sharpened end with 2 points was called Kodo (foot) and the flower-like end was called Nileng (ear).