Spiral Conis Shells from Western Solomon Islands

Twenty one pieces cut spiral Conis shells, Western Solomon Islands, 18th - early 19th century; the smallest and slimmest of the shell are 'Hokata' made from onus shells. These were less valuable and used in barter, marital rituals, as small compensation transfers and were given to chiefs by men for the sexual services of 'Ritually designated women'. They were also used to decorate skull shrines of important men. Provenance: B. L. Hornshaw collection (1878-1937); Hornshaw was an avid collector of Pacific and Australian Aboriginal artefacts, he received many of his pieces from people who lived and worked in the Pacific in the late 19th century 4 - 12 cm (21)