$800 - $1,200
early Tafuli’ae (shell wealth) Malaita, Solomon Islands. Ten lengths of shell beads consisting of red-lipped oyster shell (Chana pacifica) disks, ridged white cockle shell (Anadara granosa) disks, black mussel shell (Atrina vexillum) disks, black ‘fulu’ seeds, two tortoise shell spacers, 8 black seed pods, plant fibre string. This style shell wealth from Malaita in Solomon Islands is known as tafuli’ae and is typically associated with bride price payment. To make these shell currency ornaments, red, white and black shells are cut and drilled before being threaded onto ten long strands. Tafuli’ae usually contain predominantly red shells, as these are considered the most valuable. Approx L210cm PROVENANCE Sotheby’s Tag Lot 268. John Magers Collection, Sydney.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
24.20% inc GST*
Online and Autobids:
24.2% inc GST*
