The Tolai people pick Nassariidae snails from the slit of a muddy shoreline. Photo by Claudio Sieber
Steven, a Tolai man, dives for mud shells, hoping to collect enough to afford a bride. Photo by Claudio Sieber
To process the shells, the Tolai first drill the shells with pliers, then thread them onto a string of cane. Photo by Claudio Sieber
At Kokopo Market, women sell Tabu shell money in exchange for Kina, since only Tabu are accepted in funerals, mourning ceremonies, bridal ceremonies, birthdays and pig feasts. Photo by Claudio Sieber.
A Tolai man uses Tabu shell money to buy soda. Photo by Claudio Sieber
At this mourning ceremony after the death of Lua Akuila of the Tolai clan, his Tabu, as is tradition, is broken up and distributed among his clan and all mourners present. Photo by Claudio Sieber
Charles Zale, a Tolai groom-to-be, carries shell money over to his future bride's parents, to pay a deposit for her worth 50 Kina or $15 in shell money. Photo by Claudio Sieber
Several Tolai clans from different villages re-enact the arrival of the Christian missionaries and the Bible, before sharing shell money with the crowd which children use to buy goods like ice cream. Photo by Claudio Sieber
The Tolai people continue to hold on dearly to their traditions and culture. Photo by Claudio Sieber
Despite the existence of ATMs and loan firms, the Tolai people still prefer the use of Tabu shell money. Photo by Claudio Sieber