Shell ornaments
Solomon Islands
Conus shell
Early 20th century
4 to 5.5 inches in height by 6 inches wide (10 to 14 by 15.2 cm)

Three spiral conus shells from the Solomon Islands. These were laboriously sliced with sand and bamboo, which contributed to their value as currency, as well as ornaments for the skull shrines of village chiefs; see archival photo below taken by Rodolphe Festetics de Tolna, 1903. Old collection numbers are painted in black on the side of the shells: T-523, T-524, T-525.

Ex private collection, New Jersey; ex Michael Hamson
#1825    

$800