Shell apron and sash, three textile sashes ·  Papua New Guinea - Bismarck Archipelago - Admirality Islands · ID: 3052297

Description

5 pieces,

a) apron made of an elaborate weave of disc-shaped shell beads, bead strings with feathers and seeds attached to the lower edge, h: 46 cm, w: 20 cm

Very beautiful, old work! These pieces, elaborately crafted with precious shell beads, were reserved for high-ranking young women or chieftain’s daughters.

b) sash made of shell beads, 12 strands, with colourful glass beads worked into it, l: 70 cm; w: 7 cm

c) three sashes made of extremely finely woven orchid fibre, with integrated striped patterns and fringes, l: 114 cm (with missing parts), l: 70 cm & 74.5 cm (each without fringes)

Comparing literature

Kaufmann, Christian & Christin Kocher Schmid et. al., Admirality islands, Museum Rietberg Zurich 2002, p. 170 ff.