Maprik coin, Prince Alexander Mountains, Papua New Guinea Bamboo-sawn Tridacna gigas fossil stoup 20th century Diameter: 25 cm Provenance Zanette private collection French private collection This beautiful Yëwaa coin, carved from a giant stoup, stands out for its imposing size, testifying to its great value and the long process of shaping and polishing it underwent. The central hole was made with a bamboo tool, while the sanding was done with sand. These objects, with their important ceremonial value, were displayed, exchanged or offered on the occasion of events or rituals, such as male initiation, the inauguration of ceremonial houses, or at weddings, being handed down from generation to generation. Aesthetically fascinating because of their pure, rounded shape, pearly reflections and immaculate whiteness, yëwaa rings were a symbol of the power and wealth of a village or family.