Catalog Number
|
Catalog Number |
CAS 2017-0005-0001 | |
| 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 | Stone: limestone (calcite) | |
| Description | Stone currency (Rai) made of large piece of limestone (calcite) that has been roughly pecked and ground to circular shape with a large central perforation; Traditionally, Yap islanders would quarry and shape large pieces of calcite in Palau and then bestow the stones to honor individuals or villages, with the value determined by the length and danger of the trip involved to procure it; This “currency” was lined up around a recipient’s dwelling or in the village as a sign of prestige, but it was seldom moved to another location. | |
| Dimensions (cm) | Width = 39.4, Thickness = 11.0, Length = 40.0 | |