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.

The object Chest ornamen with the object ID 3041306 was last part of the auction 84th Tribal Art Auction at November 5, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 20.

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