A fine Torres Straits shell ornament

Details

A fine Torres Straits shell ornament
The waisted oblong turtle shell panel with curved borders cut to follow the applied sections of boar's tusk, the centre with four shell circlets and abrus seeds in gum, rattan mouth grip
25cm. wide

Provenance

Lt.-Gen. A.H.L.-F. Pitt-Rivers, Farnham, Dorset, bought from W.D. Webster

Lot Essay

Cf. Edge, Partington, An Album of the Weapons, Tools, Ornaments, Articles of Dress Etc., of the Natives of the Pacific Islands, Part 1, p.274, fig.4, where the author states: It is worn by the Koiari natives suspended round the neck but when fighting it is carried in the mouth and is supposed to give supernatural power and endurance.

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