Exchange Valuable
89-17-38
From: Papua New Guinea | Western Province, Papua New Guinea
Curatorial Section: Oceanian
| Object Number | 89-17-38 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Culture | Yonggom/Muyu |
| Provenience | Papua New Guinea | Western Province, Papua New Guinea |
| Section | Oceanian |
| Materials | Shell | Plant Fiber |
| Description | Cowrie shell valuables. 92 egg shell cowrie faces with backs ground away, attached to a braided belt. Shaped fragment of bailer shell and small fragment of pearl shell at end of belt. Belt composed of 6 interlocked 4 braid bands. Bone awl used in making belt. Personal name of this valuable is Murut Kuban. The underside of the cowries must show some yellowed patina from age and use in order to be rated as valuable. They were the most important valuables in exchanges at pig feasts and for brideprice payments. |
| Credit Line | Purchased from Stuart A. Kirsch, 1989 |
| Other Number | 78 - Other Number |
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