NEW GUINEA, PAPUAN GULF DOG TOOTH WEALTH NECKLACE

Origin:   New Guinea, South Coast Papuan Gulf  (Provenance:  Acquired from a private San Francisco collection.  Field Collected by Bruce Seaman in 1977)

Period/Date:  Early 20th C.

Materials:  Dog Teeth, rattan, bush string, Nassa Shell

Description:  This impressive necklace is laden with Dog Teeth, individually pierced and assembled using traditional weaving techniques.  The previous collector had it in a drawer for 30+ years.  It would have been an important object of personal adornment communicating wealth and status.  Additionally it could have also been used toward buying pigs or a bride.  It is in good condition overall and the binding is strong and tightly woven.  It has acquired a mellow aged patina turning to reddish brown.  There are a couple areas where the rattan is broken and partially unraveled.  Old collection tag (see photo).  Note that the camera flash "whitened" the appearance of the tag but in person it is brownish yellow in color.  

Dimensions:   Length not including fringe: 20"  (51 cm), Width 1.5"  (4 cm)

Price:  $550      Currency Conversion    FREE SHIPPING With (Buy Now) Feature!