Chest ornament
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Lot: 55
Chest ornament
Papua New Guinea, North Coast, Aitape Region, Wawapu
| Provenance | Size | Hammer price |
|---|---|---|
| Curt Eduard Pilz (1879-1927), Frankfurt am Main, Germany | H: 10 inch | 1000 EUR |
rattan, boar tusts, nassa snails, fiber material,
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.
Heermann, Ingrid & Ulrich Menter, Schmuck der Südsee, München 1990, p. 60, ill. 6
