Belts, bracelets and pouch ·  Papua New Guinea - Bismarck Archipelago - Admirality Islands / Solomon Islands · ID: 3052157

Description

9 pcs., vines and orchid/coconut fibres, a) belt with diamond-spaped ornament, d: 36.5 cm, b: 6 cm;
b) belt, d: 34 cm, b: 5 cm;
c) bracelet with yellow-dyed orchid bast, d: 11 cm;
d) natural-coloured bracelet, d: 13 cm;
e) pouch with drawstring, h: 14.4 cm;
f) bracelet with nassa snails, d: 11 cm;
g) head ornament, East New Britain, Tolai, d: 20.5 cm;
h) two bracelets, Papua New Guinea North coast (Berlinhafen), wickerwork with nassa snails, d: 5.5 cm & 6.5 cm

The art of weaving finely split fibres dyed with natural pigments is particularly widespread on the Manus Islands (Admiralty Islands) and in parts of the Solomon Islands. The work was carried out by women, but the resulting armbands and body belts were worn by both women and men. For festive occasions, they were additionally decorated with leaves, flowers and feathers.

The object Belts, bracelets and pouch with the object ID 3052157 was last part of the auction Collectors’ Items Sale at September 24, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 22 achieved a sales price of EUR 300.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about Oceanian art.

Comparing literature

Heermann, Ingrid & Ulrich Menter, Schmuck der Südsee, München 1990, p. 84