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Women's money in the form of a dish (toluk)

mid 20th century
Object PlaceRepublic of Palau
Medium/TechniqueTortoise shell
DimensionsOverall: 20.3 x 12.7 cm (8 x 5 in.)
Credit LineGift of Governor Carlton Skinner and Solange Skinner
Accession number2009.4965
On View
Not on view
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Description
This tortoise shell dish is a form of women's currency on Palau, an island located 500 miles east of the Philippines. Men and women have different forms of currency which are not to be exchanged between members of the opposite sex. This type of dish currency is highly valued and is only exchanged between families during important events such as births, marriages, or deaths.
Provenance1970, acquired in Palau by Dr. Solange Skinner, Boston; 2009, gift of Solange Skinner to the MFA. (Accession date: November 18, 2009)
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