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Global Barter / Asia / G042

Asia · Morigaon, Assam, India · G042

Jonbeel Fair

Hill produce traded for plains rice cakes, without cash.

Front of Jonbeel Fair: 3 Pithas, inspired by Jonbeel Mela barter fair, with actual Noun #64
Front · 150 × 75 mm
Back of Jonbeel Fair: the Jonbeel Mela barter fair tradition, how a note would work, and the traits of Noun #64
Back · the tradition

Security Edition v2

The same note set like a banknote: full engraved portrait of Noun #64, guilloche, watermark, thread, foil stripe and microtext, all printed art. What's on it

Security Edition front of Jonbeel Fair: a line-engraved portrait of the full actual Noun #64 in a guilloche oval beside a watermark window, thread and holographic-look stripe
Security Edition · front
Security Edition back of Jonbeel Fair: a color medallion of Noun #64 in a guilloche rosette, with the note's story
Security Edition · back
v2 front SVG ↓ v2 back SVG ↓

The tradition · centuries-old; each January

Jonbeel Mela barter fair

Each January at Dayang Belguri, near Jagiroad, Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi and other hill communities barter ginger, lac and mats with plains villagers for rice cakes and dried fish.

Source: Barter trade conducted on 2nd day at Jonbeel Mela (The Assam Tribune) ↗

How a note would work

Pithas are earned by bringing produce, mats or snacks to a yearly fair and spent on goods from the other side of the valley. 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
  • PlaceMorigaon, Assam, India
  • Eracenturies-old; each January
  • RegionAsia
  • UnitPitha · Pithas
  • Face value3 Pithas
  • SerialGB-G042-N0064
  • NounActual Noun #64 ↗
  • Why this NounJonbeel means 'moon wetland', after the crescent-shaped lake beside the fair.
  • Headmoon
  • Glassessquare yellow orange multi
  • Bodypurple
  • Accessorygray scale 1
  • Seedbg 0 · body 22 · acc 134 · head 128 · glasses 19