![[Kina Shell: 14k]](../../../../images/shellsb.gif "© Carolyn Leigh, 2005. All rights reserved.")
BILAS > Shells are Gold - Kinas
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The gold-lipped pearl shell is cut into crescent shapes called kina. Small dots are drilled to accentuate the shape.
![[Kina shell case: 26k]](../../../../images/kinaa.gif "© Carolyn Leigh, 2005. All rights reserved.")
Kina shells have their own cases just like jewelry boxes. This one is made of bark.
![[Warrior with kina: 20k]](../../../../images/kinab.gif "© Carolyn Leigh, 2005. All rights reserved.")
Both of these warriors wear kina shells as the focal point of their dress.
![[Warrior with drum: 25k]](../../../../images/kinad.gif "© Carolyn Leigh, 2005. All rights reserved.")
This broken kina shell would not be considered valuable for ceremonial payment, but it is still good for a dance.
![[Two sisters: 44k]](../../../../images/kinae.gif "© Carolyn Leigh, 2005. All rights reserved.")
Two Highland girls display their wealth.
![[Moka: 18k]](../../../../images/kinaf.gif "© Carolyn Leigh, 2005. All rights reserved.")
When a kina is used as payment a in ceremony, it may be mounted onto a oval clay-covered display board called a moka and stained with bright red dyes.
![[Wigman with red kina: 20k]](../../../../images/kinag.gif "© Carolyn Leigh, 2005. All rights reserved.")
Wigman with red-stained kina shell necklace.
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Collecting New Guinea art in the field since 1964.