"Currency - Vanuatu, Oceania - First Half Of The 20th Century"
CURRENCYVanuatu, Oceania
First half of the 20th century
Pig tooth
H.: 10 ; L.: 9.5 cm
This pig's tooth coin, curved sharply around itself, was also used as a bracelet. This unusual and unnatural shape is the result of a treatment the pig underwent during its lifetime: its two upper canine teeth were removed to allow its lower incisors to develop.
In Vanuatu, the pig is a prestigious animal. So its tusks were used as currency. The more rounded and curved they were, the more valuable they were.
Ref : 3886
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
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