Necklace / Breast ornament "waswekaseka" ·  Fiji Islands · ID: 3053653

Description

whale teeth, cord, wire,

Necklaces made from whale teeth (“sisi”) were among the most prestigious pieces of jewellery in Fiji. They were crafted from carefully polished segments of sperm whale teeth and strung together with braided coconut fibre cords – a labour-intensive process that underscores the high standard of craftsmanship in these pieces. In the 19th century, they served as important insignia of rank for Fijian chiefs and are today regarded as some of the most impressive examples of South Pacific art.

Comparing literature

Grulke, Wolfgang, Adorned by nature, United Kingdom 2022, p. 128 f.

Notices

Please note that this object can only be sent within the European Union. At the present time export in third countries is prohibited, respectively, export licenses in third countries for objects containing or made of protected materials are only granted under stringent conditions.