M
MadDogMike
Grand Member (8 years)
The Anvil of the Sun
Joined: Mar 30, 2008
Posts: 11035
|
M
Nerd Alert - deep dive into obscure Polynesian history
I like to include obscure items in my Tiki space. I have long been fascinated with the Rai Stones of the Micronesian island of Yap. Large, round, carved stones with a hole in the center used as a form of currency on the island, mostly for ceremonial purposes. The tradition began 500-600 years ago, there are about 6,000 of these stones on the island the largest is 12 feet across and weighs 4 tons.
The owner doesn't necessarily take physical possession of the stone. Because of the size and possibility of damage, the stones stay where they are. But everyone on the island knows who it belongs to. (Besides, how do you steal a 4 ton rock and where do you hide it?)
The value of each stone depends on several factors, including size and finish (smoothness) Most of the stones were quarried on the island of Palua, 300 miles away. The journey and quarrying were dangerous. Any loss of life increased the value of the stone. After European contact, the islanders obtained iron tools and transported the stones on European ships, but these stones have less value.
I made a 4 foot diameter stone (8 bags of concrete) to serve as a stepping stone. The design inscription does not seem to be authentic but is shown in the 1954 movie His Majesty O'Keefe which is good enough for me
|
