Fish for Sago

River women traded fish for sago at markets reached by canoe.

Back of Fish for Sago: the Fish-for-sago barter markets of the Middle Sepik tradition, how a note would work, and the traits of Noun #88 — Back · the tradition

Security Edition v2

The same note set like a banknote: full engraved portrait of Noun #88, guilloche, watermark, thread, foil stripe and microtext, all printed art. What's on it

Security Edition front of Fish for Sago: a line-engraved portrait of the full actual Noun #88 in a guilloche oval beside a watermark window, thread and holographic-look stripe — Security Edition · front

Security Edition back of Fish for Sago: a color medallion of Noun #88 in a guilloche rosette, with the note's story — Security Edition · back

v2 front SVG ↓ v2 back SVG ↓

The tradition · pre-colonial; 20th c. records

Fish-for-sago barter markets of the Middle Sepik

Iatmul women of the Middle Sepik traditionally bartered fresh and smoked fish for sago from neighbouring Sawos villages at regular women's markets, an exchange recorded through the 20th century.

Source: Iatmul (Encyclopedia of World Cultures, Encyclopedia.com) ↗

How a note would work

Canoes are earned by bringing fresh or smoked food to a regular market and spent on staples from neighbouring villages. They are never bought or cashed out.

Design concept inspired by this tradition, not issued by or for the people who keep it. Not legal tender, not for sale, no cash value, no redemption and no investment rights.

Front SVG ↓ Back SVG ↓ Machine edition

PlaceMiddle Sepik River, PNG
Erapre-colonial; 20th c. records
RegionOceania & the Pacific
UnitCanoe · Canoes
Face value6 Canoes
SerialGB-G061-N0088
NounActual Noun #88 ↗
Why this NounA soft white steamed bun is the closest Noun to a cake of sago starch.
Headporkbao
Glassessquare frog green
Bodypeachy B
Accessorytxt lol
Seedbg 1 · body 20 · acc 115 · head 163 · glasses 6