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| (CH
386) Wealth Object. Used in presentation Mbwagi shell money discs these objects are know as Gabaela. They can be used to pay for feasts, hosting events and even an ocean going canoe. According to Beran (1988) these as likely to only be made on Tagula Island. This example has multiple drill holes to each side for hanging chama shell discs and the lack of holes along the top ridge suggests the object was unfinished when collected. Deep brown patina with a layer of wax polish probably done by the collector. Field collected in 1944 by Lt. Col. H. E. Jeter of Freehold, New Jersey while working in the Milne bay area. Sudest or Tagula Island, Louisade archipelago Custom Mounted. Ht. 46Cm. Wd. 33Cm. References: Betel-chewing Equipment of East New Guinea. H.Beran, 1988. (item #57) |