Kina, Pearl Oyster Shell Pectoral with Pandanus Leaf Container
Entry/Object ID
2025.1.7
Description
In the highlands, giant mother-of- pearl oyster shell (Pinctada Maximums)was called kina; on the gulf of Papua they were known as mairi. When the first Europeans advanced into the highlands of Papua New Guinea in the early 1930s, few pearl oyster shells had yet found their way there from the coast; they were used as currency for trading and as bride price. However, as more shells were traded to the highlands, their value steadily decreased until they practically lost their value by 1985 (https://www.moneymuseum.com/en/coins?id=2283). This kina, shaped into a crescent shape, still retains the brilliant red ochre that was applied all over the shell as well as the plaited neck band, and the pandalus leaf cover. Two small nassa shell and a pig's tail are sewn to decorate the band.
Acquisition
Accession
2025.1
Source or Donor
Rob Coffland
Credit Line
Gift of Rob Coffland
Made/Created
Artist
Unknown Maker
Time Period
Early 20th Century
Textile Details
Technique
Tying, Sewing, Plaiting
Ethnography
Cultural Region
Country
Papua New Guinea
* Untyped Cultural Region
Mendi Valley, Southern Highlands
Material
Pearl shell, Bark Fiber, Nassa Shell, Pandanus leaf, Pig's tail
Provenance
Notes
Purchased by Mary hunt Kahlenberg from Colette Ghysels, Brussells.
