Shell currency ornament
Production date
1970s
Country
Solomon Islands
State/Province
Malaita
See full details
Object detail
Description
Register description: Shell currency ornament-Bride Price.Ground spondylus sp. shell discs
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander currency
Maker
Production date
1970s
Production place
History and use
This style shell ornament from Malaita in Solomon Islands is known as tafuli’ae and is typically associated with bride price payment. To make these shell currency ornaments, red, white and black shells are cut and drilled before being threaded onto ten long strands. Tafuli’ae usually contain predominantly red shells, as these are considered the most valuable.
This example was made in the 1970s, and features commercial red wool on each end of the ornament.
This example was made in the 1970s, and features commercial red wool on each end of the ornament.
Registration number
E10616
Share
Country
State/Province
Category
