top Carved pearl shell, and bush twine. This is a “Bride Price” necklace made from a kina shell. The suitor must pay his brides parents and this is one of the common payments.
This crescent shaped shell is made from mother of pearl and referred to as kina shells. They are considered a sign of wealth and are continually traded. These shells are considered important currency where they can only be traded up from the coastal areas. In the Highlands these shells started to be worn more as an accessory by both men and women after European contact in the late 30's when shells became more abundant, before this the shell was too highly regarded as a ceremonial transactionable token to be worn daily. According to the Highland Men they value pearl shell along with pigs above all other wealth objects.
Overall length 20"
Product code: Vintage Tribal top Papua New Guinea Kina shell bride price