Chest ornamen · Papua New Guinea, Sandaun province, Aitape · ID: 3041306
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Provenance
Emil Storrer, Zurich, SwitzerlandDescription
plaited rotan, spread with clay-like mass and sewn with strings of nassa snails, boar tusks in several rows set one above the other, fine plant fibre cords along lower rim (partly missing), good condition;
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.