Lot 999

Sale 45 · Important Australian & World Coins, Medals & Banknotes

Indonesian New Guinea, batch of five large Chinese (Ching dynasty 16-18th century) beads from north coast. Bride price and true money. 'Melon' beads called 'Blimbing' by natives, said to come from magical trees in jungle but actually from Malay traders for bird of Paradise plumes in ancient times.