| Catalog Number |
CAS 2017-0002-0008 |
 |
| Category |
Tools & Implements |
| Object Name |
Currency |
| Culture |
Micronesian |
| Global Region |
Oceania |
| Country |
Federated States of Micronesia |
| State/Prov./Dist. |
Yap |
| County |
|
| Other Geographic
Data |
Western Caroline Islands |
| Maker's Name |
|
| Date of Manufacture |
ca. 1945 |
| Collection Name |
N/A |
| Materials |
Shell: Gold-lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima); Coconut husk fiber |
| Description |
Currency created from nearly complete half of gold-lipped clam shell from which a small portion has been cut off from each side; Single hole has been drilled through the hinge end of shell and a loop of coconut husk fiber cordage has been passed through it, then enclosed within a bundle of loose coconut fibers, and the whole bundle has been coil-wrapped with more cordage; According to original accession entry for similar pieces (CAS 0477), this item functioned as a prestigious gift presented to the chiefs of Yap Island by residents of the outer Caroline Islands. |
| Dimensions (cm) |
Height = 3.9, Width = 19.0, Length = 20.1 |