Ornate Solomon Islands Traditional Shell Money Necklace. 

This necklace is from Malaita Province, Solomon Islands. It's handcrafted in Langa Longa Lagoon.

This necklace has been uniquely designed and handcrafted by the beautiful Solomon Islands villagers.

It is made from sea shells using a technique passed down through the generations to create traditional Shell Money.

Before modern currency came to the Solomon Islands, long strands of these beads were used as a traditional form of money to make purchases, give offerings and reconcile disputes. 

Shell money is made primarily from small pieces of a marine shell called the thorny oyster (Spondylus). This bivalve occurs on certain coral reefs, and the islanders gather it by diving for it. The colour varies from brick red to raspberry pink—hence the alternative name of "red money". Shell money plays a significant role in traditional bride price ceremonies. 

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