Necklace Currency (Bagi)
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-neck ornaments
Date20th Century
Made AtMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumSpondylus shell, oyster shell, seed and fiber
Dimensions81 in. (205.7 cm)
Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase
Object number2009.6.3
DescriptionThis object is a piece of shell currency (Bagi) in the form of a necklace from Misima Island in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, and it dates to the 20th century. Made of a long string of rare and precious shells, these highly valued necklaces are an important component of the circular kula trade system. Vibrant color, length, age, and quality of the carved and smoothed shells add to the worth of each strand. Traditionally the strands are worn by women whose strides are accentuated by the sound of the dangling shells.On View
On viewCollections
mid 19th - early 20th Century
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
late 20th Century
mid 20th Century
20th Century