Lot 56 Dα

Cf. Heermann, I. and Menter, U., "Schmuck der Südsee: Ornament und Symbol", Munich, 1990, p.38, fig.31, for similar kina shells in bark carrying cases from the southern highlands. The authors write that particularly valuable shells, often bearing their own names, are kept in sheaths of bark, cloth and leaves. Unlike simpler kina shells, which are stored in less expensive packaging, these often quite old bags are passed along with the shells.