Shell pectoral “kina”, Papua-New Guinea

Pectoral made with a section of a pearl shell and strung with vegetal fibers, a cauri and other organic elements, in the shape of a half moon. It was worn with the shinny face up.

Although these necklaces are used as ornament by both by men and women, they have also been an important exchange currency for several hundreds or years.

Gold-lipped pearl shells Pinctada maxima, were widely traded amongst the South Sea Islands and then inland from the coast up to the remote highlands of New Guinea. The importance of this ornament as a currency can be traced down to the 20th century, as the currency from Papua New Guinea is called nowadays “Kina”.

Mid 20th century.

Provenance: French private collection

Literature:

“Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003
“Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p.106
“Adorned by nature”, Grulke, Wolfgang, One, 2022, p. 220
“Monnaies et merveilles”, Silvana Editoriale, 2022, p. 107
“Pacific Jewelry and Adornment”, Neich, Roger and Pereira, Fuli, University of Hawai’i Press, 2004, p.76-7
“Schmuck der Südsee”, Heermann, Ingrid – Menter, Ulrich, Prestel, 1990, p. 76

PAC04