Wealth Token

57-15-23A

From: New Britain | West Nakanai | Rapuri

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

Object Number 57-15-23A
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Lakalai
Provenience New Britain | West Nakanai | Rapuri
Section Oceanian
Materials Shell | Cotton | Seed | Plant Fiber
Description

Shell wealth token. Large, rather flat circular shell. Near the valve is a hole, from which dangles, on the concave side, a braided cord attached to a small circular shell "button." This braided cord is of coarse dark fiber, and hangs in a loop. Woven into this is a small amount of red cloth. At another spot, near the rim, are two more small holes, with woven string attached. On this are five strands of fiber with five or six small seeds each. Two smaller shells, now detached, marked B and C.

Outside Diameter 18 cm
Credit Line New Britain Expedition, Charles A. Valentine, 1957

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