Currency (Yua)
ClassificationsCurrency and Exchange Objects
Culture
Yangoru Boiken
Date20th Century
Collection SiteEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumClam shell
Dimensions10 3/4 × 9 3/4 in. (27.3 × 24.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2010.22.1
DescriptionThis piece of shell currency comes from the Bukie or Yangoru people residing in the Prince Alexander Mountains of the East Sepik Province in Papua New Guinea, and it dates to the 20th century. Rings made from the shell of the giant clam are traded widely throughout parts of New Guinea and its immediate islands. The inland areas of New Guinea especially value these large clam shells traded from the coast. The notches on the outside of the ring are intentionally carved and reference the beak of the hornbill bird.On View
On view
20th Century