Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea
Massim People

Conus shell, fiber, wood
Mid 1900s
Diameter: 8.625 in
Idiophones – Directly Struck

This Massim Conus shell adornment rattle is extremely rare.  It may serve as a rhythmic instrument that is worn by a dancer, and possibly, may also be valued as Mwali, an old piece of the Kula exchange/currency.  The kula is a ceremonial exchange of highly valued artifacts between the tribes living on the ring of Trobriand islands.  Islanders judge the value of the Mwali according to the diameter of the shell.

Traditional music of the Trobriland Islands is played on a variety of flutes, from a simple pipe (called Loloni) with no fingerholes (played as an overtone flute) to groupings known as panpipes.  Sung songs (kama wosi) are also an important part of Trobriand music.  Drums, rattle adornments worn by the dancers and palm leaves are used to accompany dancing and singing.