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Native of Yap carrying stone money
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Native of Yap carrying stone money
A native man from Yap wearing a mangrove wood comb in his hair (a sign of high rank) carrying stone money on a pole over his shoulder. Date: 1937
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Media ID 14353028
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Caroline Carry Comb Currency Mangrove Money Natives Pacific Pole Rank Ranking Shoulder Societies Micronesia
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Distinguished Native of Yap Carrying Stone Money, 1937 This evocative photograph captures the essence of the rich cultural heritage of the Yap Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The image features a Native Yapese man, adorned with the symbols of high rank, proudly carrying stone money on a pole slung over his shoulder. The man's mangrove wood comb, intricately carved and set in his long, dark hair, signifies his elevated status within his community. The Yap Islands, located in the Caroline Islands of Micronesia, have a unique and fascinating history. Their society is renowned for its intricate social structures, complex trade networks, and the use of stone money as currency. This photograph, taken in 1937, offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the traditional practices and customs that have endured for generations. The stone money, known as Rai, are large, circular disks made from limestone or micronesia schist. They were quarried from the island of Palau and transported to Yap through ancient seafaring traditions. These stones, some weighing several tons, were used as a form of currency and were believed to hold spiritual significance. The man in the photograph appears to be carrying several of these massive stones, demonstrating his wealth and influence within his community. This image serves as a powerful reminder of the rich history and cultural traditions of the Yapese people. It offers a glimpse into a world that has long been shaped by the Pacific Ocean and the intricate social structures that have developed on these islands. The man's proud bearing and the weight of the stone money on his pole underscore the importance of tradition and the deep-rooted connections to the land and the sea that have defined the Yapese people for centuries.
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