Ceremonial currency "talipun"
Papua New Guinea, Prince Alexander Mountains, Boiken area, Yangoru village
not available anymore
Size
H: 34 cm
H: 13.4 inch
Description
large sea snail, plant fibre, clay, pigments, cassowary feathers,
“Talipun”, were used as currency. They served as bride-price or were bartered to surrounding tribes (Iatmul, Lumi, Abelam and others).
Even today, in combination with modern money, “talipun” are considered valuable objects of exchange.