A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.
Overview
Museum accounts identify Gunantuna, also called Tolai, with the Gazelle Peninsula; the name does not cover all New Britain peoples.
Tabu uses shells and rattan in exchange and ceremony. Jacob L. Simet’s 1991 thesis abstract discusses its cash-economy persistence.
Dated 2018 and 2020 museum accounts describe tabu alongside national currency. Elder Gideon Kakabin, 1956–2018, explained commissioned ceremonial objects.
History & identity
Deep origins are not established by these sources.
Sources & representation
Selected institutional accounts; see bibliography.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Tabu : analysis of a Tolai ritual object
Thesis abstract; full thesis not inspected.
- 02
Still more important than anything money can buy
Selected bibliography.
Language & cultural connections
Source-supported language and cultural connections have not yet been compiled for this profile.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Gallery collection pageGunantuna (Tolai people)Research access: 2026-10-06
- Museum blog postStill more important than anything money can buy – BlogResearch access: 2026-10-06
- Academic thesisTabu : analysis of a Tolai ritual objectResearch access: 2026-10-06
Image credits
A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.