Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Papua Province, Asmat culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A collection of 3 body adornments from Papua New Guinea, including a nose ornament known as a bipane, a shell pectoral / pendant, and a necklace with seedpod beads and pig's teeth. The necklace is a cord of vegetal fibers, strung at the center are drilled seed pods of Job's tears grass, and 3 large pig's teeth. The bipane (or bi pane), is shaped from 2 pieces of shell fastened together with resin pitch to resemble curved pig tusks when worn as a septum piercing. The large shell pendant is polished and drilled on the tip for suspension. Such adornments denoted social rank, sanctity, and wealth of the people who wore them- teeth and shells were highly valued and used like currency. Size of large shell pendant: 6.5" L x 1.5" W (16.5 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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#185196

Bipane nose ornament is repaired from 2 pieces along the rein area. Chips to shells and teeth, but otherwise those are intact, and good condition. Patina and signs of use / mineral deposits. Come with velvet necklace stand.