Indeed, in the outer islands, where there are little communications and no shops, it is still not widely employed. So, rather than use artificial or minted cash, barter remains important - or an intermediate type of exchange based on uncommon natural objects whose values derives from their rarity and the amount of time invested in their preparation. Such are shell, tooth or feather monies. They are still a part of everyday life coexistent with currency in towns, gaining in importance as the distance from the city increases. All are conceived to be carried about and worn, though the most valuable, feather money, is clumsy in such an application.
Shell money is the handiest and is met as necklaces everywhere on both men and women.
It is a series of small pierced discs in descending values of colour - red, orange, brown, black and white. This money is made mainly in the island of Malaita by a group of craftsmen, who divide the processes. The shells are first broken into roughly circular discs about 10mm in diameter. They are then pierced and threaded on a cord stretched along a plank and the discs rubbed round. Red feather money is more precious, is based on something rarer and demands more time and skill in its manufacture.