Chest ornament · Papua New Guinea, North Coast, Aitape Region, Wawapu · ID: 3051393
sold
EUR 1,000
Provenance
Curt Eduard Pilz (1879-1927), Frankfurt am Main, GermanySize
H: 25,5 cm
H: 10.0 inch
Description
rattan, boar tusts, nassa snails, fiber material,
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.
Comparing literature
Heermann, Ingrid & Ulrich Menter, Schmuck der Südsee, München 1990, p. 60, ill. 6