Catalog Number |
CAS 2017-0002-0007 | |
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 very small portion has been cut off from one 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 = 2.4, Width = 21.0, Length = 23.0 |