Forget the stock markets, forget bitcoin – these are the items that hold real value across the Pacific

Think shells. Think stone. Think pandanus leaves woven into mats so delicate you could mistake them for silk.These are the items that hold value for us. It's a different kind of currency.It takes time, skill and cultural knowledge to make these treasures, and unlike money, you can't just print more when they run out.So how can we preserve the skills necessary to make these priceless items, while still earning money to put food on the table?You'll hear from Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson and Adimaimalaga Tafunai about the resurgence of women making the ie tōga, or Samoan fine mat, and Mary Sifoburi who owns the only shop where you can buy tafuliae – Solomon Islands shell money – in Honiara.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 3rd October 2023