1The Tolai People: Shell Money and Matrilineal Inheritance
In the East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea, the Tolai people are known for their unique use of “shell money,” a traditional form of currency made from strings of shell beads. This currency, known as tabu, is used in a variety of social transactions, including bride price, compensation payments, and ceremonial exchanges. Shell money is deeply intertwined with Tolai cultural identity and has been used for centuries, long before the introduction of modern currency.
The Tolai are also notable for their matrilineal society, in which inheritance and clan membership are passed down through the female line. This system has shaped the social structure of the Tolai people, with women playing a central role in family and clan affairs. The importance of women in Tolai society is reflected in their traditional ceremonies and rituals, where female ancestors are often honored and invoked.
