Shell currency vest
Production date
Circa 2000s Decade
Country
Solomon Islands
State/Province
Malaita
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Object detail
Description
Shell money/bride price. Red, orange, black and white shell disks with seed pods. Designed to be worn around the neck and cross over the chest
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander body ornament
Maker
Production date
Circa 2000s Decade
Production place
Measurements
L. 680mm, W. 170mm
Media/Materials description
Shell, seed pods, string
History and use
This object is from the Helen Barrett collection, which was donated to Queensland Museum in 2014. Miss Helen Barrett worked as a nurse with the Australian Board of Mission in Solomon Islands from 1947 until 1984. Barrett was based at Tasia in Isabel Province, and Maravovo on Guadalcanal before being stationed at the Hospital of the Epiphany at Fauabu, Malaita from 1968 until 1984. In the 1990s, Barrett worked with the Mothers Union in the Torres Strait Islands. Her collection largely comprises of objects that were presented as gifts over the course of her missionary work in Melanesia.
Shell money vests are traditionally associated with bride price in Solomon Islands. This example was given to the donor by the Anglican Church of Auki.
Shell money vests are traditionally associated with bride price in Solomon Islands. This example was given to the donor by the Anglican Church of Auki.
Registration number
E40761
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