Talipun Currency

Maprik culture, Boiken region, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea

First half of the 20th century

Shell, plant fibers and pigments

H.: 34; W.: 18 cm

A giant marine snail shell, called a turbo marmorantus, forms the base of the coin, on which is attached a large mask made of braided fibers, enhanced with pigments and adorned with small feathers at the top. Its openwork eyes are slightly tubular and its nose protrudes.

These high-value coins could be used for funeral rites, as a gift offered between two clans following a conflict, or during marriage, where it was given as a dowry.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON