Currency

ClassificationsCurrency and Exchange Objects

Culture Lumi

Date20th Century

Made AtSandaun Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumGiant clam shell, nassa shell, wood, feather and plant fiber

Dimensions34 1/2 × 6 × 6 in. (87.6 × 15.2 × 15.2 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2010.22.2

DescriptionThis shell currency piece comes from the Lumi people residing in the Torricelli Moutains of Sandaun Province in Northwestern Papua New Guinea, and it dates to the 20th century. The rings made from giant clam shell are traded inland from the coast, high into the Torricelli Mountains where the Lumi people stack them into this unusual form of currency. The wealth and prestige of an owner is measured by the height of the money stick which increases in size and value as it is passed down and added to over generations. This particular piece has 79 stacked shells.

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