A real and unique museum piece form west Sepik! A Lumi money stick adorned with a casuraris head at the top and with an antique dagger from casuaris bone at its base. More than 50 conus shell rings with nice old patina are attached with rattan on the wooden stick, making it an outstanding wealth object. Lots of cowrie shells are also inserted.at both sides. The bird like head is adorned with feathers and also with "earrings", made from mother of pearl discs. The antique dagger at the bottom has interesting designs (see photos) Money sticks of this kind were used by Lumi People to buy land or brides. The longer the stick was and the larger number of the shell rings on it, represent the wealth and prestige of its owner. Τo such family heirlooms more shells were added and increased its value through generations. In short a breath-taking artefact for any seious collector of PNG artefacts or for primitive money collectors. No equivalents known to me! Strong provenance: at my collection for years, it was acquired from the late Ulrich Kortmann The overall condion is excellent, but we have to mention a few losses of cowrie shells on the sides and forehead of the bird. Measures 76 x 8 cm and its total length is about 100 cm, including the feathers. It will be send with a tracking number by ELTA, hellenic Post (The seller, E.S.P. is a Dr of Prehistoric Archaeology and Ethnology, a writer and a passionate collector of tribal arts mainly from the South Seas)