Roll of Feather Money (tevau)

The value of Santa Cruz Island feather money lies in its condition and the richness of the intense red color, as seen here. Used as an exchange currency for traditional marriage payments and economic transactions, its value depreciated over time as the feathers faded. Ten tevau of descending quality constituted a bridewealth payment. This tevau would possibly have been ranked a Number 1, the best quality, and could also have been exchanged for a valuable feasting pig. Three male specialists inherited the rights to create each tevau. One specialist trapped the scarlet honeyeater, requiring 300 to 600 birds for a completed roll. A second carved small wooden fiber-backed platelets, which he covered first with gray pigeon feathers before overlaying the red feathers. A third specialist joined the platelets together, reciting incantations and adding shell embellishments to complete the object. When not in use, the currency was rolled into a coil with protective charms, wrapped and carefully stored to preserve the color.