Papua New Guinea Necklace Kina Shell Melpa Tribe Currency Brides Price Kina Shell

This is a Beautiful Kina Shell Necklace from the Melpa Tribe in the Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea. This Kina Shell is woven onto a bush fiber necklace. The Kina was used as currency and the more golden the color, the more valued the piece. When the New Guinean government had no money, this piece, the Kina shell was used as a substitute. Kinas are rare treasures from Papua New Guinea and a sign of wealth and prosperity. They can be used for bride price, feud paybacks and exchange festivals as well as for admissions to men’s clubs and secret societies. They were worn by men and women either alone or in multiples for special celebrations when men would wear a Kina shell pectoral as the focal point of their dress. Such decorated pieces are even more valued inland and in the Highlands of Papua where shells are not available in nature. This would be a wonderful addition to your collection or home.

COMES ON STAND

Early-20th Century

Shows age, discoloration and fraying on the back woven upper part of the necklace, but overall in good condition.

Kina Shell on Stand

10" tall

Kina Shell

4" tall

7 1/2" Tall on Sides of Shell

7 1/2PNG Kina Shell" wide

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