Asia · Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, Philippines · G049

Sulu Sea Barter

Seaweed and farm goods swapped across an old sea border.

Back of Sulu Sea Barter: the Sulu Sea barter trade tradition, how a note would work, and the traits of Noun #27 — Back · the tradition

Security Edition v2

The same note set like a banknote: full engraved portrait of Noun #27, guilloche, watermark, thread, foil stripe and microtext, all printed art. What's on it

Security Edition front of Sulu Sea Barter: a line-engraved portrait of the full actual Noun #27 in a guilloche oval beside a watermark window, thread and holographic-look stripe — Security Edition · front

Security Edition back of Sulu Sea Barter: a color medallion of Noun #27 in a guilloche rosette, with the note's story — Security Edition · back

v2 front SVG ↓ v2 back SVG ↓

The tradition · pre-colonial; revived 2018

Sulu Sea barter trade

Barter across the Sulu Sea between the southern Philippines, Sabah and Indonesia predates modern borders; Executive Order 64 of 2018 revived and regulated it at ports in Jolo, Siasi and Bongao.

Source: Executive Order No. 64, s. 2018 – Mindanao Barter Council (LawPhil) ↗

How a note would work

Bales are earned by bringing marine or farm produce to a port swap and spent on household goods from partner communities. 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

PlaceSulu and Tawi-Tawi, Philippines
Erapre-colonial; revived 2018
RegionAsia
UnitBale · Bales
Face value20 Bales
SerialGB-G049-N0027
NounActual Noun #27 ↗
Why this NounA sea creature with an anchor on its chest, for trade that docks at island ports.
Headjellyfish
Glasseship rose
Bodyteal light
Accessorybling anchor
Seedbg 0 · body 27 · acc 6 · head 111 · glasses 0