Chest ornament composed of woven rattan. Inserted through a tube-like pocket near the top is a wood crosspiece with two large cowrie shells attached on either side. The lappet consists of a long woven strip with scalloped edges, that tapers towards the bottom, with three smaller strips layered overtop at the tip. Above the crosspiece is a small rectangular section of weaving. A long plaited cord is attached to the crosspiece at either side. The weaving is outlined and decorated in single or double rows of small white shells.

• Narrative

  Collected by Jack Lieber in Papua New Guinea, Eastern Highlands Division, from August 1970 - June 1972. He was researching village communities in and around Goroka, where he was lecturing under the auspices of UNESCO at the Goroka Teachers College.

---

• Type of Item ornament
• Culture New Guinea
• Material cowrie shell, shell, plant fibre, rattan
• Measurements height 50.5 cm, width 24.5 cm, depth 3.8 cm (overall)

---

• Previous Owner Jack Lieber, Iris Lieber
• Received from Iris Lieber

---

• Made in Papua New Guinea

---

• Collection Date between 1970 and 1972
• Ownership Date before 2015, before June 18, 2018
• Acquisition Date on June 18, 2018

---

• Condition fair
• Accession Number 3326/0053