1st century AD

DOG TEETH

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (OCEANIA)

Dog teeth served as decoration and money in diff erent parts of Papua New Guinea and of Papua. Their quantity was restricted because only the canine teeth were considered as money. During the German colonial rule over New Guinea, the Germans imported dog-like teeth made from porcelain. The locals used these imitations just like real teeth. Dog teeth continued to be used as currency up until the 1960s.