Shell necklace

Maker
Unknown Maker
Description
In 1974 Waikato Museum acquired a selection of items, including this shell necklace, from Graham Jackson. Jackson was a New Zealand anthropologist who spent time living with and researching the Kopon and the Kalam people of the Lower Kaironk Valley in Papua New Guinea.

Jackson fieldnotes: Necklace of a double row of small cut cowrie shells woven to the outside of a fine cord band. These necklaces are the main item of formal exchange/presentation/compensation eg. bride wealth, deaths etc. They are also worn around the head on ceremonial occasions. Shells valuable and are traded for. This is a fine specimen by local standards. Probably made by women and possibly only worn by men.

Object detail

Maker
Media/Materials
Natural fibre and shells.
Measurements
770 x 60mm - LxW (as worn).
1525 x 10 x 5mm - LxWxD
Production place
Lower Kaironk Valley, Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Collection
Graham Jackson Collection/New Guinea Collection/Ethnology
Department collection type
Ethnology
Credit line
Collection of Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
Accession number
1974/64/31

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