Context (CMS Context)
1967.52-73 - General note on shell valuables and ornaments: In pre-European times shells percolated into the Highlands by various native routes from coastal areas. Thus pearlshells (1967.64-72) entered the Highlands from the Papuan Gulf, but also via the Sepik river or Ramu; bailer shells (1967.56-7) from the Gulf via Ialibu; nassa shells (1967.58-61) also from this route (they are reported in the Lake Kutubu area, Williams 1940) and from the north and east via Sepik and Wahgi rivers, which was also the direction of cowries (1967.62-63). Green snail shells came from the east, along the Wahgi valley (1967.52-55). From the advent of Europeans in 1933, shells increased in numbers: Europeans used them to pay wages and as currency and later sold pearlshells outright in their stores. By the 1960s however Australian currency (money) had become the medium for all European-Hagener transactions. Pearlshells for sale varied in price from A$2-7, bailers and whole green-snail shells from A$3-5, and conus shells (no example) A$2-4. Cowries were obtained by labour, 5 or 10 being paid for a day's work in pre-war days, and till the 1950s labourers might be paid at the rate of one or two pearlshells a month. Nassa shells were obtained through sale, at a rate of approximately 10 shells for as many pounds (weight) of sweet potatoes. The Hageners absorbed this influx of shells in their transactions, and nowadays lament that they can no longer obtain new pearl shells easily, since the Europeans no longer deal in shells. Nevertheless, different varieties of shells have undergone varying degrees of inflation and there have been changes in their relative popularity over the last 30 years. Thus cowrie ropes and nassa mats (1967.61,63) were in the past used extensively in moka ceremonial exchange where nowadays (1964-5) only pearlshells are given (1967.70-72). Because of these fluctuations, no attempt has been made here to give a systematic account of the 'values' of the various shell items. Unless specified any notes on this topic refer to the present period.
Event Date 1/6/1998
Author: maa

Description (CMS Description)
Green-snail shell ornament. One of two large pieces of green-snail shell (Turbo marmoratus) c. 6" long, pierced with a single hole each for suspension. These may be worn from the ear (actually tied to the hair) by women when in ceremonial regalia (cf. Vicedom I: plate 13, no.3) and by men also (cf. plate 5, no.4). They are of minor value and were used as ornaments rather than valuables today, although in the past whole shells were used in moka (ceremonial exchange) and in war-compensation payments. All the examples here are of pieces which have been split off from the whole shell.
Event Date 1/6/1998
Author: maa

Context (Display)
On display in the Iridescence case, Colour: Art, Science & Power, LKS Gallery, MAA, 26 July 2022 - 23 April 2023.
Event Date 26/7/2022
Author: rachel hand