Men's breast ornament
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Lot: 16
95th Tribal Art AuctionMen's breast ornament
Papua New Guinea, North Coast, Aitape Region, Wawapu
| Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
|---|---|---|
| German Collection, Berlin |
H: 9.4 inch; B: 8.7 inch |
This object is not available anymore. |
rattan, boar tusks, nassa snails, resin (originally set with Abrus precatorius),
This breast ornament was part of a festive costume, but was also used as war ornament. It is possible, that the compact shield-shaped ornament did not only have an amulet-like effect but also offered real protection against arrows.
Heermann, Ingrid & Ulrich Menter, Schmuck der Südsee, München 1990, p. 60, ill. 6
