Crescent-shaped breast ornament made of pearl shell

Description:

In the mountainous country of Papua New Guinea, breast jewellery made from mother of pearl, cowry and plant fibres was primarily a means of exchange and payment. They are therefore referred to by the word 'kina', which is the same word used for the money of PNG. \Only on very special occasions were these breast ornaments worn as adornment. They were not hung on the neck, but were attached with a cord to a 'grass cushion' so that the red bands hung downwards. The whole thing was then worn on the chest.

Format:

image

Collections:

National Museum of World Cultures Foundation

Content partner:

National Museum of World Cultures Foundation

Availability:

Not specified