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Talipun CURRENCY
Maprik culture, Boiken region, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea
First half of the 20th century
Shell, plant fibers, and pigments
H. 34; W. 18 cm
A giant marine snail shell, called a turbo marmorantus, forms the base of the coin, on which is attached a large mask of braided fibers, enhanced with pigments and adorned with small feathers at the top. Its openwork eyes are slightly tubular and its nose protrudes.
These high-value coins could be used for funerary rites, as a gift between two clans following a conflict, or during marriage, where they were given as a dowry.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Ref: D0MWK0FPLM