Zemanek-Münster

Three shell ornaments

Solomon Islands
not available anymore

Description

Nautilus shell, each of them crescent-shaped, the biggest pectoral, b: 18 cm, attached to a string with shell beads, presumably Uki Island; one pectoral decorated with a separate worked frigate bird made of tortoise shell, on a string with multicoloured shell beads, b: 13 cm; additional: small pendant with open-work design on the upper rim and eyelet for attachment, b: 12 cm;
the nautilus shell crescent disc was known as “tafibono” and was worn by men on festive occasions.


Comparing literature

D. Waite & Kevin Conru, Solomon Island Art, Italy 2008, ill. 106 a-c Heermann, Ingrid, Menter, Ulrich, Schmuck der Südsee, München 1990, p. 28, ill. 19

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