BY JOY OFASIA
Shell money is still a strong and living part of culture in the Solomon Islands, especially in Malaita Province. For many women from the Langalanga Lagoon, shell money is not only tradition but also a way to earn a living. One of these women is Florence Tosai, a shell craft maker and vendor at the Auki Market.
Florence comes from Talakali Village in the Langalanga Lagoon. Like many Langalanga women and girls, she learned how to make shell money at a very young age. The skills were passed down from older women in her community, teaching patience, hard work, and respect for culture.
“Living in my village where I come from, making shell money is one of the most important skills in our culture,” Florence said. “I learned from elderly people in my village how to craft shell products. As I grew up, I started making my own products and now I bring them to Auki town to sell.”
Every week, Florence travels by boat from her village to Auki town to sell her shell products at the market. The journey is not easy, but she makes the trip because her market sales support her family. As a young mother, she carries heavy responsibilities.
“As a mother, this has been one of the main sources of income for my small family,” she said. “Every week I have to leave my three-year-old daughter with my mother back in the village so I can come to town and sell my products.”
At the Auki Market, Florence sits with other women from the Langalanga Lagoon, selling their shell crafts. While some women travel to Honiara to sell at the main market, Florence prefers to sell in Auki, closer to home. She sells shell necklaces, bracelets, earrings, shell money, and other handmade items.
The income from her market work has helped her family in many ways. “We have managed to buy building materials for our home in the village using money from my market sales,” she said. “When there are emergency cases in my family, I am able to solve problems using the money I earn.”
However, market life also comes with challenges. Florence explained that daily expenses are her biggest problem. “Each day, traveling to and from Auki costs me about $40, and the market fee is $10,” she said. “Sometimes I sell less than what I spend, and that is very challenging.”
Despite these difficulties, Florence continues to work hard and remains hopeful. She believes that each new day brings a new opportunity.
Florence encourages other unemployed women and girls to try market vending. “When you engage in trading, you learn how to stand on your own feet,” she said. “It is honest work, and you will feel proud of yourself.”
Passionate and determined, Florence continues her shell money trade at the Auki Market, keeping her culture alive while building a better future for her family.
