Outstanding and authentic tridacna wealth object from Guadalcanal, composed of a massive barava ring carved from giant clam shell and richly decorated with numerous small shell rings and early trade beads. The circular barava form, meticulously shaped from luminous white tridacna shell, represents prestige, rank, and ceremonial value within the traditional exchange systems of the Solomon Islands. On Guadalcanal, such shell rings functioned as high-value currency in bridewealth transactions, compensation payments, and alliance-building ceremonies. What distinguishes this example is the elaborate embellishment: multiple finely worked shell rings attached around the perimeter, complemented by strands of old trade beads. These additions significantly enhanced both symbolic and material value, transforming the object into a powerful statement of wealth and social standing. The surface shows beautiful age patina and wear consistent with genuine ceremonial handling. The shell retains its soft sheen, while the beads display the irregularities and subtle weathering typical of early trade material introduced through 19th-century exchange networks. Material: Tridacna (giant clam) shell, shell rings, early trade beads Origin: Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands Function: Ceremonial wealth object / exchange currency Period: 19th – early 20th century Condition: Very good, with authentic age wear A museum-quality Oceanic masterpiece — rare in its completeness, culturally significant, and visually commanding. We pack with care, sending all over the world for 35 years already A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024 A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies. A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Google: Papua Blues Koos Knol