This striking piece is a rare from of currency from the remote Kabwum Valley in the high mountains of the Huon Peninsula. Pieces such as this are called “poli” and were given in bride price exchanges. They consist of a fiber back with a design of nassa shells woven into different patterns and colored with traditional and/or western pigments—this example has a back that is a natural bush material laid over a section of old burlap. This poli is 15” square, dates to the early 20th century and sells for $1400. Questions?