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Treasuries' True Risk

The lack of trust in USD means it is either gold or santa cruz red feather money (see below) as a store of weath. a roll of red feather money purchased for US$30 in 1990 now is valued at US$15,000. red feather money has out performed.

Unique Red Feather Money of Temotu
BY GINA MAKA'A
Before introduction of money in Solomon Islands, the currency came in different forms for the nine provinces of the country.
Of the many examples is the famous red feather money from Santa Cruz Islands of Temotu Province.
The red feather money is two inch wide and 30 feet long made out of glued fiber feathers, particularly the downy red feathers plucked from the breast, head and back of a tropical forest bird.
The bird which the money is made out from is a small scarlet colored honey eater, which in scientific term is called the myzomela carnalis of the rain forest.
In an interview with Solomon Times, Patricia Luilamo who works at the National Museum of Solomon Islands, and from Temotu Province, said that the money is produced by the natives of Santa Cruz and used mainly by their people for bride price, compensation and land.

She told Solomon Times that in the ancient days, the money is distributed to other islands in Temotu Province like the reef islands.

"One special thing about the red feather money in the olden days is that once our people in Santa Cruz give the money to neighbouring islands, sometimes the islanders will have to export some of their women to Santa Cruz as concubines, unlike today women go to other islands as wives only."

Mrs. Luilamo said that today, the red feather money is no longer practiced because changes taking place in the country now.

"But as a person from Temotu, I am proud to say that our traditional money is unique and has a very special feature unlike other traditional money from other provinces."