Description:

South Pacific, French Polynesia, Tahiti, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A pair of elegant shell ornaments made to be worn in traditional dances. First, a delicate crown composed of cowrie shells that range from pale yellow to bright white, with the larger shells separated by tiny shells, strung in two bands. Second, a belt of dramatic auger shells with smaller land snail shells in between them, woven onto a textile belt with a large loop clasp at one end. Size of largest (belt): 38" L x 2.75" W (96.5 cm x 7 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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#141314

  • Condition: Crown has been restrung in modern times. Rich patina on all shells, especially those of the crown. The woven textile of the belt is slightly frayed from age and wear but overall in very good condition.

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July 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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