**Originally Listed At $900**

Oceania, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A rare example of an ihrik, a plaitwork currency coil cord formed from a core of coconut sennet fibers bound with tightly braided palm leaf strips. The black and white braid work is incredibly precise with nearly even spacing between each dark and light ringlet, and one end terminates in a bulbous knot. Size (wrapped): 3.5" W x 3.375" H (8.9 cm x 8.6 cm); 3.875" H (9.8 cm) on included custom stand; (unwrapped): 51" L (129.5 cm)

According to ethnographic currency expert Charles Opitz, "Plaitwork of black and white palm leaf strips woven over a base of twisted coconut fiber cord were made by the natives. The coils were used as money and also worn as a girdle. The same technique of cylindrical plaitwork in short, stiffer lengths and in gaudier colors is used in the Solomons for ear-sticks." (Opitz, Charles J. "An Ethnographic Study of Traditional Money: A Definition of Money and Descriptions of Traditional Money." First Impressions Printing, Inc., Florida, 2000, p. 161)

Cf. Opitz, Charles J. "An Ethnographic Study of Traditional Money: A Definition of Money and Descriptions of Traditional Money." First Impressions Printing, Inc., Florida, 2000, p. 161, bottom two plates.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Norman Hurst collection, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, acquired before 2000

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#154532

Measured as a bundle as it is wrapped on one side and attached to stand. Knotted at one end and fraying to both ends, otherwise intact and very good. Nice remains of color throughout.