Rossel Island trip (old pics from Dad and Austin's trip)

Bagi

In recent years, many of the islands of Milne Bay shared in a trade ring. One island, known for its clay pots would canoe over hand molded, fire-hardened red clay pots in exchange for shell necklaces made by the people of a different group. Both were used in bartering as well as in bride prices.

In Alotau, we have seen and even wear one of the famous red shell necklaces, known as the Bagi. However, it wasn't until Tim and Austin went to Rossell Island before we really appreciated the amount of work that went into these simple bilas (decorations).