Kesa Shell Wealth

Three "Kesa' Shell Wealth pieces are from  Choiseul Island in the North Western region of the Solomon Islands, 18th-19th century.

Kesa were the old, traditional form of wealth currency within the Western region before modern day currency was introduced to the country. It is still a matter of controversy between specialist collectors as to what these fine, cylinder shaped tubes are created from. Many believe they were created from semi fossilised Giant Clam shells, (the Tridacna Shell), which found in secretly guarded  locations in that region of Western Solomon Islands. Whilst others call Kesa, "Sea Worm Money", and it is thought to have been carved from the shell of a sea worm.  The local legend belief is that these wealth valued tubes were made by "the Spirit Pongo" and as such they are regarded as supernatural.

"Kesa" is  cylindrical shaped shell wealth and came in different value size denominations of which the highest value pieces belonged to the Chiefs. In village social society, if a man did not own any Kesa, he had no social status or value within the village.

Kesa were always preserved and stored together in groups of three pieces, wrapped in ivory palm leaves , tied up with fine vine twine then buried in the ground in a secret locations, whilst some were hidden in local caves. Both locations were to protect them from thieves or damage.