Conis Shell Valuables with Custom Stands from Solomon Islands

Ten cut spiral conis shells on custom stands, Western Solomon…
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Ten cut spiral conis shells on custom stands, Western Solomon Island, 18th-19th century; the smallest and slimmest of the shell valuables are hokata made from conis shells. These were less valuable and used in barter, marital rituals, as small compensation transfers and were given to chief's by men for the sexual services of 'Ritually designated women'. They were also used to decorate skull shrines of important men. Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878 - 1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many pieces from people who lived and worked in the Pacific in the late 19th century. 7 - 15 cm

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