Papua New Guinea Shell Money Ring New Britain Shells Brides Price Wealth Ring

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Papua New Guinea Shell Money Ring New Britain Shells Brides Price Wealth Ring:
$1908.80

This is a old and beautiful Shell Ring also known as Tambu Shell Currency Ring and comes from Tolai Gazelle Peninsula of East New Britain, Duke of York Islands and Southern New Ireland in New Guinea. Used in Bartering Shell Money or Tabu as it is called in Tolai language and is made from traditional Nassa shells. Tolai Shell money is used as currency on the Gazelle Peninsula . The shells are drilled and then strung on cane about 1 cm apart. The actual distance apart depends on finger size but when holding one shell and sliding it onto the cane as soon as your fingers touch the next shell it is at its correct spacing. The length of the strung shell strands averaged about 6 feet with approximately 320 shells which were then rolled into large hoops. The shells were used for settling disputes and ‘payback’, bartering for produce, used for bride price as well as being regarded as a prestige symbol, and along with goods and cash and it was the customary method of acquiring land. During a Funeral ceremony the Tolai cut the wheel to distribute the shell money and distribute it as a way of showing their gratitude. This Shell Money Ring is very unique and would be a wonderful addition to your collection.
I am offering fabulous items from Southeast Asia, Africa, Philippines, Papua New Guinea and the Middle East that I purchased from a private collection. These items were collected in the field 25 years ago. FABULOUS VINTAGE NASSA SHELL MONEY RING TOLAI GAZELLE PENINSULA OF EAST NEW BRITAIN, PAPUA NEW GUINEACOMES ON STAND15 1/2\" tall
13 1/2\" wide
2 1/4\" deepThe shells show age and discoloration, but overall in good condition, with a nice patina.AT BACARA WE STAND BEHIND ALL OF OUR MERCHANDISE. WE CAN PROVIDE REFERENCES FOR ALL ARTIFACTS THAT WE SELL, AS WELL AS DOCUMENTATION TOWARD THEIR AUTHENTICITY. FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT THE WORLD OF BACARA.