19th C. Solomon Islands Shell Ornament Dala Kapkap

Oceania / Polynesia / Melanesia, Solomon Islands, Malaita Island, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful example of a dala kapkap, a head or breast ornament made of a shell disc with intricate overlay design cut from tortoiseshell. Solomon Islanders, who live in a long archipelago from New Britain to Vanuatu, are known for their skill with inlaying shell into their gorgeous decorative arts. Size: 3.9" W (9.9 cm); 4.4" H (11.2 cm) on included custom stand.

See a similar example at the British Museum (Oc1944,02.1362).

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Tad Dale collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 1960-2000

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#154502
Condition Report: Shell is repaired from a few large pieces; this is well done and almost impossible to see. Otherwise in lovely condition. Light deposits on surface commensurate with age.