TWO COINS
Vanuatu, Oceania
First half of the 20th century
Pig's tooth
Diameter: 10 cm

These coins, made from pig teeth strongly curved back on themselves, also served as bracelets. This particular and unnatural shape is due to a procedure performed on the pig while it was still alive: its two upper canines are removed to allow its lower incisors to develop.

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

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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