 |
Tasmania, AustraliaA beautiful strand of Tasmanian Maireener shells. Strung on cotton, of beautiful golden yellow colour, with a fantastic natural lustre. These objects were made as traditional jewellery and for the tourist trade as souvenirs by Tasmanian Aboriginal people, primarily in the late 19th and early 20th Century. Formerly belonging in a private English Collection. Unmounted. Length: 83 cm or 32.75 inches. |
 |
Giri Area, Madang Province, Papua New GuineaThis beautiful ornament originates from the Giri area of the Lower Ramu River, where it is known in language as “Dur”. I have long believed that these ornaments were worn on the chest, but have been informed in the field, they in fact hang down the back of the neck. This example is in fantastic condition, the woven bush string dyed using natural vegetable dyes, the dogs teeth are all nicely patinated as are the shell attachments. It has a lovely shell bell on the bottom, with an old rusty nail as the knocker, and there is an old wire hook on the top to attach it to the dancer. One solitary blue glass bead at the centre of the bailer shell pendant is an attractive addition. Dates to the early 20th Century, is in perfect condition; comes custom mounted. Height: 44 cm cm or 17.25 inches. |
 |
Giri Area, Madang Province, Papua New GuineaThis old bilum has the front surface fully covered with sections of bailer shell. These are made like this to not only look beautiful at ceremonies, but to also make a jingling bell like sound when danced. This example also has a barely noticeable design incorporated into the weave of the bilum. Nicely encrusted patina on all of the shell attachments, and is in perfect condition. 1950′s; custom mounted Dimensions of Bag: 31 x 19 cm cm or 12 x 7.5 inches. |
 |
Giri Area, Madang Province, Papua New GuineaThese beautiful earrings we collected in the Giri area along the Lower Ramu River. Four very fine pieces of turtle carapace skilfully fashioned into large hooped earrings. Worn through the centre of the ear rather than the lobe. Some minor chips along the edges, with a smooth encrusted patina. In overall excellent condition. 1950′s custom mounted. Diameters: 6.5 & 7.5 cm cm or 2.5 & 3 inches. |
 |
Lower & Coastal Ramu River, Madang Province, Papua New GuineaThis pair of shell eye masks was collected on the lower end and mouth of the Ramu River. Coconut examples we’ve seen before, but it was the first time we’d had come across a pair made from pearl shell. Both are constructed entirely from bush materials, with the exception of a piece of metal chain on one side of the coconut pair as attachment. Both have been extremely well used. The coconut example being older dating from the 1940′s while the shell pair date from the 1960′s. Both are in excellent condition and come custom mounted. Overall Widths: 15 & 15 cm cm or 6 & 6 inches. |
 |
Ramu Delta, Madang Province, Papua New GuineaTwo perfectly mirrored circular pigs tusks, bound at the centre with bush rope. These are worn by men of high status, and still traded as a unit of traditional currency today. This pair have a beautiful smooth surface from extensive handling and come custom mounted. 1950′s in excellent condition. Overall Width: 18 cm cm or 7 inches. |
 |
Bogia District, Madang Province, Papua New GuineaThis pair of personal adornments are used as stand alone decoration, and also to pin on large shell crowns used at ceremonial occasions. Crafted from fine cassowary bone pins with nassa shells attached using a blend of bush and synthetic string. All over dark encrusted patina from extensive use; in fine condition Circa 1960′s. Custom mounted. Heights: 16.5 & 17.5 cm cm or 6.5 & 7 inches. |
 |
Washkuk Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New GuineaThis fine set was traditionally part of a Kwoma warriors war regalia. These days they are more often used as a ceremonial adornment. The Armband is constructed from bush string with large conus shell discs incorporated into the weave, while the dagger is classically Kwoma, shorter and broader than most Sepik daggers, the top knuckle with shell eyes making the dagger seem even more menacing. All over smooth glossy patina on the shells and dagger, the bush string showing signs of extensive use. Circa 1950′s in excellent condition. Custom mounted. Diameter of Armband: 14 cm cm or 5.5 inches. |
 |
Maprik Area, East Sepik Province, Papua New GuineaThis is one of the finest Karahut we have come across in some time. Crafted completely form bush materials. The face with larger cowrie shell eyes above the elongated broad nose, with a healthy coating of natural pigment decoration. Traditionally worn hanging from the mouth during tribal fighting, more often these days as a ceremonial adornment. All over encrusted patina, particularly on the reverse, in excellent condition. Circa 1950′s. Custom mounted. Height: 33 cm cm or 13 inches. |
 |
Bogia District, Madang Province, Papua New GuineaThis beautiful nose piece we collected in the mountain ranges inland from Bogia station. The people of this region wear similar adornments to those along the Ramu River. This example is constructed from a perfect blend of bush and introduced materials. The nylon string used as the body fo the piece preferred to bush string due to it lasting longer in the elements, and also being coloured saving this process. The shells on the example are old and in perfect condition, with a nice layer of encrusted patina. The piece is flanked by one red and blue glass trade bead, and the two feather attachments are suspended on gold chain, which we think is a lovely touch. The previous owner assured me that he made it in the early 1970′s and was still using it at time of collection. In what can only be described as perfect condition. Custom mounted. Width: 14 cm cm or 5.5 inches. |
