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Two shell wealth objects, Arawe area, New Britain Island, Papua…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
8-May-2016
Lot No.
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Description:
Two shell wealth objects, Arawe area, New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea, [2], according to Chantal Knowles and Chris Gosden in 'form, colour & inspiration: Oceanic Art from New Britain 2001', gold-Lip pearl shell is the most valuable wealth item used among the people of the Arawe Cultural group and also traded further across New Britain. These important objects were never worn. They were used as a form of currency particularly associated with ceremonial exchanges such as bride wealth but also in compensation payments for misdeeds like theft or rape. Some important shells are decorated and some have personal names and histories as heirlooms. Women or men can own them and they are one of the most prized valuables in the region. Provenance: Collected by an expatriate, Jeff Morrison, in 1959 / Todd Barlin collection. 70 cm, 73 cm
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified