Alexandra Xu

Southeast Asian & Indonesian Art Auction

Boar's tooth
Traditional exchange currency - Worn as a bracelet or a pectoral
No cracks
Excellent condition
VANUATU

Length: 30 cm
Diameter: 9.5 cm
Inner diameter: 6.5 cm

Boar's teeth from Vanuatu are used as currency. They are worn as bracelets or pectorals.
They carry great symbolic and sacred value.

The pig is at the heart of Vanuatu's traditional social system.
Raised with the aim of obtaining this rare tooth, which is exchanged for a transfer of rank or to be initiated into secrets or even to marry, or to pay a debt... The rank system enables the power of the world of the living to grow and to influence the world of the dead. The person is authorized to wear the adornments corresponding to their rank.

The curved Verrat tooth is one of the emblems of Vanuatu.
It features on its national flag

Dent de verrat 
Monnaie d'échange traditionnelle - Portée en Bracelet ou pectoral
Pas de crac 
Parfait état 
VANUATU

Long : 30 cm
Diamètre : 9.5 cm
Diamètre intérieur : 6.5 cm

Les dents de verrat du Vanuatu sont utilisées comme monnaie d'échange. Elles se portent en bracelet ou en pectoral.
Elles ont une grande valeur symbolique et sacrée.

Le cochon est au cœur du système social traditionnel du Vanuatu.
Élevé dans le but d’obtenir cette dent rare que l’on échange pour une passation de grade ou bien être initié aux secrets ou encore pour se marier, pour payer une dette…Le système de grade permet d’accroître le pouvoir du monde des vivants et l’influence dans celui des morts. La personne est autorisée à porter les éléments de parure correspondant à son grade.

La dent de Verrat recourbée est l’un des emblèmes du Vanuatu.
Elle figure sur son drapeau national

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Vanuatu boar teeth are used as currency. They are worn as bracelets or pectorals.
They have great symbolic and sacred value.

The pig is central to the traditional social system of Vanuatu.
Raised with the aim of obtaining this rare tooth which one exchanges for a transfer of rank or else to be initiated into secrets or even to marry, to pay a debt... The rank system makes it possible to increase the power of the world of living and influence in that of the dead. The person is authorized to wear the elements of adornment corresponding to his rank.

The curved Verrat's tooth is one of the emblems of Vanuatu.
It appears on its national flag

Our expert provides this estimate to guide you when you’re bidding. It’s based on expected demand and the unique characteristics of the object, like quality, rarity, or ownership history. We can’t guarantee the object will sell, resell or be appraised for this amount.

Boar's tooth: traditional exchange currency of Vanuatu - Vanuatu

Mid 20th century - Excellent condition

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Vanuatu curved boar tooth used as traditional exchange currency, worn as a bracelet or pectoral, dating to the mid-20th century, in excellent condition, authentic/original, 30 cm long with a 9.5 cm diameter and 6.5 cm inner diameter, weighing 52.8 g.

Boar's tooth: traditional exchange currency of Vanuatu - Vanuatu

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Vanuatu curved boar tooth used as traditional exchange currency, worn as a bracelet or pectoral, dating to the mid-20th century, in excellent condition, authentic/original, 30 cm long with a 9.5 cm diameter and 6.5 cm inner diameter, weighing 52.8 g.

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