Bracelet Currency
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-arm ornaments-bracelets
Date20th Century
Made AtSolomon Islands
MediumShell
Dimensions3 5/8 × 3 3/4 × 1/2 in. (9.2 × 9.5 × 1.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2018.13.53
DescriptionGiant clam shell bracelet from the Solomon Islands. Shell rings are displayed at marriage feasts, are used as bride payment, and to buy pigs among some groups. They were worn above the elbow, mainly by men but also by women. The heavier ones were considered a masculine ornament. There are three different types of shell rings: erenge, poata, tinete. They were used as money, had relatively fixed values and were used in marriage payments and land purchase. Shell arm ornaments are important in displaying social stature. It can determine elder men with status from young, unmarried bachelors.On View
Not on viewCollections
19th to early 20th Century
20th Century
