20th C. PNG Amanab Pectoral - Tusk, Boar Teeth

Oceania, Northern Papua New Guinea, near Irian Jaya, Amanab peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An intriguing example of a pectoral composed of thirty boar teeth sewn onto a folded reed that is bound with several lengths of twisted cord. Below the column of teeth is a woven textile ornament embellished with a pair of avian wing bones, a compressed bundle of hair, and a couple of cowrie snail shells, and projecting from the top is a pair of crescent-shaped boar tusks. Pectorals like this example are only allowed to be worn by male warriors who have committed homicide against one of their enemies. Size: 4.3" W x 17.9" H (10.9 cm x 45.5 cm); 18.375" H (46.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Michael Hamson collection, California, USA

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#150859
Condition Report: Repairs to a few teeth with light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor chips to teeth, tusks, and shells, with fraying and loosening to some woven threads, and light staining to some teeth, tusks, and bones. Nice patina throughout.