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Shell Ring Currency (Tabu), 20th Century
Tolai culture; New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Eas…
Currency (Tabu)
Shell Ring Currency (Tabu), 20th Century
Tolai culture; New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Eas…
Shell Ring Currency (Tabu), 20th Century Tolai culture; New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia Shell and rattan; 31 1/2 × 33 3/4 × 4 1/4 in. 2008.9.1 Gift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

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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