CURRENCY - Vanuatu, Oceania - First half of the 20th century

CASH

Vanuatu, Oceania

First half of the 20th century

pig tooth

H.: 10; L.: 9.5 cm

This strongly curved pig's tooth coin also served as a bracelet. We owe this particular and unnatural shape to a treatment during the pig's lifetime: its two upper canines are removed in order to allow its lower incisors to evolve.

In Vanuatu, the pig is a prestigious animal. Also, its tusks were used as currency. The more rounded and curved they were, the more valuable they were.

Ref. : 3886

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON