Ten strand shell wealth (tafuli'ae). Very long strands of shell discs are strung on nylon string, with tassels at each end. Most of the shell discs are approximately 0.8 cm diameter. At the centre is a 14 cm long red shell section woven in a net-like pattern. The colour pattern of discs for each side, from there to the ends, is mirrored. At each end of the central design there is a thin bar (clam shell?) drilled with ten holes. The nylon fibre goes through the holes and then forms ten strands of shell discs going off in both directions. The next section (on each side) starts with several white and black discs, then has all dark red and orange-red discs for 18-19 cm. Then a white and black striped section goes on for 21-22 cm, ending in another thin bar with drilled holes. On the other side of the bar the pattern is repeated with the red section. However the next black-white section runs for approx. 36 cm. and the black discs are of a smaller diameter. There are also three stripes of reddish discs incorporated into these last sections. At the ends, the blue string is knotted together, with four half seed pods and red cotton tassels attached. The rest of the blue fibre is braided into a single tail, with the end knotted and singed.

• History Of Use

  Used as a currency of exchange and bride wealth.

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• Type of Item money
• Culture Solomon Islands
• Material shell, nylon fibre, clam shell, cotton fibre, seed
• Measurements height 226.0 cm, width 9.5 cm, depth 3.0 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Campbell Smith
• Received from Campbell Smith

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• Made in Malaita

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• Collection Date during 2004
• Ownership Date before September 17, 2016
• Acquisition Date on September 17, 2016

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• Condition good
• Current Location Case 65
• Accession Number 3198/0001