The unspoilt tropical island that still uses shell money

At the Malaita markets, amid the low murmur of mammas, the pungent scent of freshly netted tuna, and plump coconuts plucked straight from the tree, shell necklaces are coiled like king cobras.

I am ambling among the colours and characters of the central market on this remote Solomon Island, 50 kilometers northwest of the capital Honiara, where tradition is etched as deeply as tribal tattoos, and ancient shell money holds more value than any paper or plastic.

By, Christine Retschlag

September 16, 2024

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