Shell Money (Bakhia)
Artifact IDMO 2009.1
Object Type
Money, Shell
Date
1933
Place MadeIsland of Ranongga, Solomon Islands
Medium
giant clam shell
DimensionsOverall Diam 4 in (10.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionRing carved from fossilized tridacna (giant clam shell), exhibiting an area of darker yellow striation which represents the hinge of the shell. Rings with this striation are considered of the highest value. The ring is inscribed in blue ink on one side, "Vala Lavala Mere".
Historical NoteThis piece of Bakhia was given as an honorary tribute by Eroni Kumana, who discovered John F. Kennedy and crew of PT-109's after the boat's collision, and was placed on President Kennedy's gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery, on November 1, 2008. The ink inscription refers to Vella Lavella, an island near where John F. Kennedy was rescued, and "Mere" means woman, possibly refering to a previous owner.
Shell money is a medium of exchange that was once common. It consisted either of whole sea shells or pieces of them which were worked into beads or artificially shaped. As late as 1882 local trade in the Solomon Islands was carried on by means of a coinage of shell beads, small shells laboriously ground down to the required size by the women. No more than were actually needed were made, and as the process was difficult, the value of the coinage was satisfactorily maintained. Also known as Bakhia or Kustom Money, Solomon Islands shell money was used to pay for a bride, buy land, for tribal reconciliation and compensation, and for honoring one's chief.
Additional DetailsShell money is a medium of exchange that was once common. It consisted either of whole sea shells or pieces of them which were worked into beads or artificially shaped. As late as 1882 local trade in the Solomon Islands was carried on by means of a coinage of shell beads, small shells laboriously ground down to the required size by the women. No more than were actually needed were made, and as the process was difficult, the value of the coinage was satisfactorily maintained. Also known as Bakhia or Kustom Money, Solomon Islands shell money was used to pay for a bride, buy land, for tribal reconciliation and compensation, and for honoring one's chief.
Custodial History Notetem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in 2009 on behalf of Eroni Kumana.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Mark Roche on behalf of Eroni Kumana
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedIn Collection(s)
On view