Arm ornament-shell
Production date
Pre 1989
Country
Solomon Islands
State/Province
Western
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Object detail
Description
Register description: Arm ring: Ceremonial, ground clam shell Tridacna gigas, POATA SOSOTO. One of a pair. Diam: 173 mm.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander currency
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander arm ornament
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander arm ornament
Maker
Production date
Pre 1989
Production place
Measurements
L174 x W164 x H17 mm
Media/Materials description
Shell (Tridacna gigas)
History and use
This heavy armband has been cut from the shell of a giant clam (Tridacna gigas) and forms a pair with E13381.1. Such shell rings served as a form of currency in the Western Province of Solomon Islands, where they could be used as bride price or in land transactions.
This example was acquired by the museum in 1990.
This example was acquired by the museum in 1990.
Registration number
E13381.2
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