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Kahoa figota

human history
  • Other Name

    Kasoa (Futuna Island)

    Necklace (English)

  • Description

    Kahoa figota. Shell necklace. Kahoa were once used as a form of currency, the longer the kahoa the richer one was. This necklace was made for females as indicated by the white shells used with the black seeds, which indicate well wishes. Nowadays kahoa are used as a gift for visitors to always remember home. It is essential to own a kahoa, it reminds one where they came from.

    The black round seeds are found on trees in a place called Talietumu in Uvea where the Tu'i Tonga once built his fortress. This kahoa is made up from alternating sections of miniature whole clam shells and black round seeds. They are drilled in the centre and strung onto nylon.

  • Place
    Ono Village/Alo/Futuna/Wallis and Futuna
  • Accession Date
    10 Nov 1992
  • Other Id

    54322.2 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

Kahoa figota, 54322.2, Cultural Permissions Apply

Images and documents

Images

  • Kahoa figota, 54322.2, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Kahoa figota, 54322.2, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Kahoa figota, 54322.2, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Kahoa figota, 54322.2, Cultural Permissions Apply

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