shell money

Cowrie shells sewn onto long straps of plaited fibre. The back of each cowrie has been removed. Until recently these were used as currency but they have now gone out of fashion. They were known in pre-contact days but the practice of using cowries as currency was increased by European importation.

Also used as a decoration for young women.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
13.4.66/13
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 320 mm x 260 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
shells; plant fibre
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
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Collection Information

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