Kwaio 人以貝珠錢支付聘禮 Kwaio People Paying Bridewealth by Shell Money

The image shows the bridewealth paid by shell money. The both sides are counting the amount of shell money. The Kwaio people in the mountains of Malaita in the Solomon Islands, held fast to tradition and cultural autonomy, and rejected the Christian religion, currencies, and “government” (political institutions) brought by the colonizers. Though young Kwaios take on part-time jobs to earn money, they establish boundaries and limit the introduction of the “state currency” into traditional spheres. For important ceremonial occasions such as bridewealth and funerals, the only currency accepted is shell money (kofu).