Chest ornamen ·  Papua New Guinea, Sandaun province, Aitape · ID: 3041306

Description

plaited rotan, spread with clay-like mass and sewn with strings of nassa snails, boar tusks in several rows set one above the other, fine plant fibre cords along lower rim (partly missing), good condition;
this compact breast ornament was surely part of a festive costume for men, but was even worn in military action. It had an amulet-like effect, but could as well provide defense against the enemies arrows.