Papua New Guinea, Green River District, Kueruek Clam Shell Ring

Tusks of wild pigs are desired objects of prestige in Papua New Guinea. They are especially valuable when circular or even spiral-shaped. It takes about seven years for a tusk to grow into a full circle. According to their rarity and high value, spiral-shaped boar tusks are copied in some regions from other materials. This piece is made from the shell of the Tridacna gigas, the giant clam. Other imitations are made from Conus snail shells. From which material ever: the copies are very precious too.