| Catalog Number |
CAS 2017-0005-0002 |
 |
| 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. 1974 |
| Collection Name |
N/A |
| Materials |
Shell: Gold-lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima); Coconut husk fiber; Resin |
| Description |
Currency created from a piece of gold-lipped pearl oyster shell from which portions have been cut off from each side, forming a rectangular shape; Small hole has been bifacially drilled near hinge end of shell; Several coconut fiber cords have been tied together to form a net handle, which is wrapped around the hinge end of the shell and then narrows, wrapping around a bundle of loose coconut fibers to form a handle with the loose fibers extending from the net as fringe; 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) |
Width = 8.0, Thickness = 2.7, Length = 22.4 |