Kissi Penny "African Coin with a Soul"

Click thumbnails for expanded view.

$12.00

Quantity Available: 1

Kissi Penny "African Coin with a Soul" The Kissi Penny or "Kilindi" was used by the natives along the slave coast of Africa during the early 1800's. The pennies were made of cast iron, twisted and hammered into shape. The pennies could be used to purchase just about anything even a wife. Kissi pennies are also known as money with a soul. When a family member dies, a survivor breaks a penny in half in preparation for the visit to the tribal witch doctor. For a fee, the Witch Doctor reincarnates the soul of the departed family member in the penny and then rejoins the two halves of the penny by twisting them together. The penny then becomes a revered object, placed in a position of honor in the home. The family believes the soul of their loved one continues to reside with them living inside the Kissi Penny. This artifact may have belonged to an unsuspecting native destined to become a slave, a Witch Doctor or even a tribal chief. Approx 10" long.