Huon Gulf
Ornament
Huon Gulf, Early 20th century
Scroll
Huon Gulf
Ornament
Huon Gulf, Early 20th century
Physical Qualities
Dog's teeth, fibers, nassa shells, shell, fiber from Karkar Island, 1/4 x 6 11/16 x 18 1/8 in. (3.2 x 17 x 46 cm.) with ties extended
Credit Line
Gift of R. Bruce Allen, from the Estate of Luther Emory Allen
Object Number
1976.76.32
Group object label BMA 1976.76.32, BMA 1955. 251.116a, BMA 1955.251.116b, 1955.251.31 (physical label copy in 1976.76.32):
Dog teeth, boar tusks, eggshell cowrie, and nassa shells not only formed important ornaments, but were also valuable items of trade among Melanesian communities. Many such ornaments indicated the wealth and status of the wearer and could be worn in battle, ceremony, and dance. (Photo: Bukaua man of the Huon Gulf dressed for a ceremony following his initiation to adulthood.)
Photo:
R. Neuhauss, reprinted in Les Arts Indigenes en Nouvelle-Guinee, by Stephen Chauvet, 1930-author unknown label copy from December 1991
The Baltimore Museum of Art 1976 by gift from R Bruce Allen from the estate of Luther Emory Allen; R. Bruce Allen; Luther Emory Allen collected between 1942-1945(possibly collected in the Huon gulf);
