Shell currency "tambu" or "tabu" · Papua New Guinea - East New Britain - Tolai · ID: 3047109
not available anymore
Size
D: ca. 30 cm
D: ca. 11.8 inch
Description
snail shells (“nassarius arcularis jonasii”),
The length of the strung shell strands averaged about six feet with approximately 320 shells which were then rolled into large hoops; they served as a means of payment and bride price and represented a symbol of prestige.