Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • Data
  • Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Ten strand shell wealth (tafuli'ae). Very long strands of shell discs are strung on nylon string, with tassels at each end. Most of the shell discs are approximately 0.8 cm diameter. At the centre is a 14 cm long red shell section woven in a net-like pattern. The colour pattern of discs for each side, from there to the ends, is mirrored. At each end of the central design there is a thin bar (clam shell?) drilled with ten holes. The nylon fibre goes through the holes and then forms ten strands of shell discs going off in both directions. The next section (on each side) starts with several white and black discs, then has all dark red and orange-red discs for 18-19 cm. Then a white and black striped section goes on for 21-22 cm, ending in another thin bar with drilled holes. On the other side of the bar the pattern is repeated with the red section. However the next black-white section runs for approx. 36 cm. and the black discs are of a smaller diameter. There are also three stripes of reddish discs incorporated into these last sections. At the ends, the blue string is knotted together, with four half seed pods and red cotton tassels attached. The rest of the blue fibre is braided into a single tail, with the end knotted and singed.

History Of Use

Used as a currency of exchange and bride wealth.

Item History

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items