Bracelet, early to mid 20th Century
Papua New Guinea, Melanesia
Boar tusk; 5 × 4 1/4 × 3/4 in…

Boar's Tusk Currency

ClassificationsCurrency and Exchange Objects

Dateearly to mid 20th Century

Made AtPapua New Guinea

MediumBoar tusk

Dimensions5 × 4 1/4 × 3/4 in. (12.7 × 10.8 × 1.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2018.13.39

DescriptionBoar’s tusks that grew to form a full were used as a form of prized currency and also in bride-price. To ensure this unimpeded growth required for the tusks to grow this long, the two incisors of the upper jaw of a boar were removed. A large tusk such as this may also have been used as a bracelet.

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