Vtg Papua New Guinea Money Shell Talipun Mask - Double Sided Woven: Boiken Tribe

Description

Vtg Papua New Guinea Money Shell Talipun Mask - Double Sided Woven: Boiken Tribe
Up for sale is a very rare and unique piece I purchased at an estate auction that I was only able to identify with the help of a friendly eBayer.  It is a double sided basket piece from Papua New Guinea that was used by the Boiken Tribe as a form of currency for brides, the end of wars--important events.  It's spiritual related and is highly valued.  It's shaped like two basket funnel's woven together at the rim with a middle side spout--but I think one of what I called a "spout" was used as the pedestal base for standing.  It was once painted but the paint is faded which reflects that it is an older piece.  It's approx. 11" long and 7.5" at its widest diameter (not counting the middle spout).  The weave around the center rim has some wear but otherwise this is in nice condition.  I'm uncertain of its age but believe it to be many decades old if not older.
*Please note that my shipping time is up to 5 business days as I have multiple jobs and can only ship one day a week.  If you happen to purchase after I return from the post office on shipping day it will be a full week wait until I am able to ship again.  But most people will have a much shorter wait and some will have very fast shipping.  No one will have to wait more than 5 business days.  Thank you for understanding.