Description:

Oceania, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, ca. early 20th century CE. A substantial breast ornament fashioned from a large, lustrous bailer shell, featuring a smooth, domed exterior and a deep, concave interior. The shell is suspended by a length of aged cotton rope, threaded through two perforations at the upper edge and securely knotted at the base. Such ornaments were traditionally worn by men of the Highlands, either across the chest or as a loin covering, signifying wealth, status, and social prestige. While along the coast these shells could serve utilitarian functions - such as bailing water from canoes - in the mountainous interior they were highly prized, having traveled great distances inland. There, they held significant cultural value, functioning as status symbols, forms of currency, or components of bride price exchanges. Size: 10" L x 9" W (25.4 cm x 22.9 cm)

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; acquired in 2005 from Joseph Gerena, New York, USA.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#196441

  • Condition: Old chips to the rim. Dark patina. Old inventory number written on the surface near the pierced hole.

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Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$250,000+:
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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
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