Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 2017-0005-0003   CAS 2017-0005-0003; Currency
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: Black-lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima); Coconut husk fiber
Description Currency created from half a black-lipped pearl oyster shell; Two holes have been drilled through the hinge end of shell and a loop of cordage has been passed through each; These two loops have each been folded back upon themselves and wrapped with cordage, then gathered together and enclosed within a bundle of loose coconut fibers, and the whole bundle has been coil-wrapped with additional 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) Width = 11.9, Thickness = 1.9, Length = 28.1