Pectoral "fofona" or "zogohava" · Papua New Guinea - Eastern Highlands Province · ID: 3046883
sold
EUR 300
Size
M: 31 cm x 33 cm
M: 12.2 inch x 13.0 inch
Description
wood, bark fibre, nassa and egg cowrie shell (ovula), pigment,
The most important ceremonial pectoral used in the Eastern Highlands, this type of ornament generally would be worn by men on the chest or sometimes on the back. At times women were given the privilege of wearing them, too.
As part of the general wealth system, which was based on the circulation of shell valuables, “fofana” were also used for bride-price-payments