Maprik coin, Prince Alexander Mountains, Papua New Guinea Bamboo-sawn Tridacna gigas fossil stoup 20th century Diameter 18 cm Provenance Zanette private collection French private collection Rings carved from the fossil shell of the giant clam are a common form of coinage among certain peoples of the Sepik region - such as the Arapesh, the Boiken and the Abelam. Arapesh, Boiken and Abelam, the latter having developed their skills with the Arapesh, who traditionally made and used these objects to buy livestock. To make these flat, circular rings, such as this work, meticulous patience was required to avoid breaking the shell. Regarded as true objects of power and prestige, these coins are the main form of wealth for a people whose craftsmanship takes advantage of the natural resources of their environment to fashion them into objects of great value.