A PAIR OF DANI "JE" STONE, WEALTH OBJECTS
Origin:
Period/Date: Likely Early 20th century
Materials: Dark green polished slate, fiber, bush string, plaited cord, orchid stem fiber, bone talisman
Description: Here's a pair of attractive "je" stones with deep green color, each is presented on custom metal display stand. The MASSIVE example is a very impressive specimen and is one of the largest we've seen! Each is in great condition retaining their original fiber bindings. Note the small bone amulet on the back of the large stone. These special stones had various functions. They were important objects of wealth used as bride price and other transactions involving payment. Among the Dani they were required gifts on such occasions as birth, death and initiation. They also were believed to house the soul of a departed ancestor, and could apparently be used as a tool for "black magic".
Dimensions: (large) Height 23 3/8" (59.5 cm), Width 4" (11.5 cm), (small) Height 15 1/8" (46.5 cm), Width 3.5" (9 cm)
Reduced Price: SOLD
bone amulet on the back side
