Oceania Collection, Solomon Islands

Shell-money making at Alite artificial Island, Langa-Langa Lagoon, Malaita, Solomon Islands 1984. The worked and drilled shells play an important role in the traditional, ceremonial exchange systems in Melanesia, and are highly valued. The red/yellow colour is the result of the final heating of the shells after manufactoring. The production of shell-money is strictly the womens role.