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Adze Blade (Giyazago), date unknown Sudest Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, Melan…
Axe Head Currency (Giyazago)
Adze Blade (Giyazago), date unknown Sudest Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, Melan…
Adze Blade (Giyazago), date unknown Sudest Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia Polished greenstone; 8 × 4 × 3/4 in. 2011.11.3 Collected on behalf of the Bowers Museum by the Roski-Keller-Martin Expeditions 2000-2008

Axe Head Currency (Giyazago)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-axes-axe heads
Collection SiteMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumGreenstone
Dimensions8 × 4 × 3/4 in. (20.3 × 10.2 × 1.9 cm)
Credit LineCollected on behalf of the Bowers Museum by the Roski-Keller-Martin Expeditions 2000-2008
Object number2011.11.3
DescriptionAmong the extensive kula trade system that circulates throughout the Trobriand Islands and surrounding areas, presentation blades are some of the most coveted items. Smooth, cool to the touch and beautifully shaped, the blades are found inserted into carved wooden hafts. Together they form a traditional form of currency. Except for its function to hold the valued blades, the wooden haft is considered worthless.
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