Papua New Guinea, East Sepik Province, Talipun

This unusual object was in use as ceremonial currency throughout the Sepik grassland of Papua New Guinea. It was a bride object called talipun, and was exchanged during marriage transactions. The most valuable part of the talipun is the carved shell of the Great Green Turbo (turbo marmoratus), a large sea snail. Attached is a painted facial mask woven from rattan.