Kina Shell bag Mendi , Southern Highlands New Guinea

Kina Shell on Ceremonial Bag, Mendi Valley,
Southern Highlands New Guinea

Size: 18cm by 22cm

This is a ceremonial bag from Momak in the Upper Mendi Valley in the Southern Highlands of New Guinea.  The old kina shell is mother of pearl and is a form of wealth or currency.  The bag has a natural red pigment painted on the face of the bag. The redder the kina shell the more valuable it was considered to be.

$250AUD