Shell Money
Item number 3557/15 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- 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
Shell rings on a braided plant fibre cord sealed inside a plastic bag; bag is secured shut with a paper manufacturer's label stapled over the opening. Large white ring hangs from bottom of cord; channels carved through middle on front and back of ring. Smaller flat shell rings are threaded through the cord on either side of large ring. Yellow card inserted into bag, behind shell rings, with images of shells and an individual wearing it; paragraph of text describes rings and their purpose.
History Of Use
Shell rings were traditionally given by a groom to a bride's family as a bride price. They were also used as part of a bartering and money system.
Narrative
Purchased by the donor in 1974-1975, possibly from the Wire Trade store, located on the Catholic Mission in Wewak. The items were made by the Au people of West Sepik province (Sandaun), possibly in Aitape?
Item History
- Made in Sandaun, Papua New Guinea
- Collected between 1974 and 1975
- Owned by Geoffrey Stubbs before March 30, 2022
- Received from Geoffrey Stubbs (Donor) on March 30, 2022
What
- Name
- Shell Money
- Identification Number
- 3557/15
- Type of Item
- money
- Material
- shell, plant fibre, metal and plastic
- Overall
- height 20.3 cm, width 13.3 cm, depth 0.6 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sandaun, Papua New Guinea
Who
- Culture
- Au
- Previous Owner
- Geoffrey Stubbs
- Received from
- Geoffrey Stubbs (Donor)
When
- Collection Date
- between 1974 and 1975
- Ownership Date
- before March 30, 2022
- Acquisition Date
- on March 30, 2022
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 3557/0015
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