Bangle carved from a single Leopard Shell (Conus leopardis)

Maker Denis George (Australian, 1917 - 2001)

Date1957-1977

Object number00042735

NameBangle

MediumLeopard Shell

DimensionsOverall: 26 x 94 x 87 mm, 68.38 g

ClassificationsAnimals and animal products

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the George Family and Adrian Jackson

Terms

DescriptionBangle carved from a single Leopard Shell (Conus leopardis) by Denis George as a means of entering the trade cycle with Motu people, New Guinea.HistoryA bangle carved from a single shell (not pearl) Conus leopardis - leopard shell - New Guinea money, quite valuable. Denis George used these as a means of entering the trade cycle with Motu people, who came around in canoes to different islands where in a specific trade and exchange pattern. They wore the shell bangles high on their arms. They were normally laboriously sawn by hand. They brought shells from which Denis George cut bangles with the diamond drill, which he could do in a few seconds and polish them, in return for offcuts. There is a link here also with the kina shells.SignificanceDenis George moved to New Guinea to establish a pearl farm in 1967. He trained locals in the skills needed to harvest the shells and later the skills to graft them and his efforts were supported to some extent and he has been recognized for creating a local industry where local people were involved in the commercial use of their natural resources.