Currency (Tabu)

ClassificationsCurrency and Exchange Objects

Culture Tolai

Date20th Century

Made AtEast New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumShell and rattan

Dimensions31 1/2 × 33 3/4 × 4 1/4 in. (80 × 85.7 × 10.8 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2008.9.1

DescriptionThe main use of large wheels of shell money is exchange for a bride, although they may also be used to make compensation or to purchase pigs. A wheel of money this size would have taken thousands of hours to make; its large size is an indication of its value. Wheels remain with their owner until death whereupon they are broken up and divided among the owner's widow, his children, members of the maternal line of the deceased, and other important members of the community who make appearances at the funeral ceremony.

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