A Pair of Lumi Money Sticks
In the Lumi area of the Torricelli Mountains, West Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea, the people use small rings cut from the large tridacna clam shell as a form of traditional currency. Brought forth for bride price payments, death compensations and ceremonies, these rings are the main form of currency. Most often the rings are given in large groups, often displayed in a pile on a black palm spathe laying on the ground. But sometimes the owner takes the time to string these rings together around a central wood stick for support. The length of the money stick and number of shells, represents the wealth & prestige of it’s owner.
This pair of elegantly constructed Money Sticks are fine examples of what makes these items so highly sourced.
In the Lumi area of the Torricelli Mountains, West Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea, the people use small rings cut from the large tridacna clam shell as a form of traditional currency. Brought forth for bride price payments, death compensations and ceremonies, these rings are the main form of currency. Most often the rings are given in large groups, often displayed in a pile on a black palm spathe laying on the ground. But sometimes the owner takes the time to string these rings together around a central wood stick for support. The length of the money stick and number of shells, represents the wealth & prestige of it’s owner.
This pair of elegantly constructed Money Sticks are fine examples of what makes these items so highly sourced.
In the Lumi area of the Torricelli Mountains, West Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea, the people use small rings cut from the large tridacna clam shell as a form of traditional currency. Brought forth for bride price payments, death compensations and ceremonies, these rings are the main form of currency. Most often the rings are given in large groups, often displayed in a pile on a black palm spathe laying on the ground. But sometimes the owner takes the time to string these rings together around a central wood stick for support. The length of the money stick and number of shells, represents the wealth & prestige of it’s owner.
This pair of elegantly constructed Money Sticks are fine examples of what makes these items so highly sourced.