Wig

MOA: University of British Columbia

3566/1 a-g

Short wig made up of brown curly human hair (part a); an interior net of red yarn and plain cord holds the shape of the wig. Back edge of wig is decorated with a band of white feathers; front left and right corners of wig are decorated with small yellow flowers. Wig has six attachments, consisting of: a red parrot on a stick, that attaches to the top (part b); brown-black and white feathered wings, that attach at the front (part c); a spray of multi-coloured parrot feathers, that attach to the front of the wings (part d); two small white and yellow feathers, that stick out on either side of the wig (parts e-f); and a snake skin headband (part g). Large feather decorations (parts c-d) are missing attachments; small feathers are inserted into wig and held in place with their shafts. Headband has two ties on either side.

  • Narrative

    The wig was collected around the time of the Koroba school opening in 1980 during a large celebration with politicians, school officials and families. Some of the families travelled from villages such as Fugwa, Lake Kopiago and places near Tari, as well as the Bugaia and Oksapmin areas, and the Strickland River area. The wig was purchased by the donor, from one of the Duna visitors.


  • Type of Item wig
  • Culture Duna
  • Material human hair, parrot feather, snake skin, fibre, flower, wood
  • Measurements height 15.8 cm, width 36.7 cm, depth 18.0 cm (part a) height 54.5 cm, width 21.8 cm, depth 3.5 cm (part b) height 18.5 cm, width 26.0 cm, depth 2.4 cm (part c) height 11.8 cm, width 11.4 cm, depth 0.5 cm (part d) height 2.0 cm, width 13.0 cm, depth 0.5 cm (part e) height 3.8 cm, width 9.7 cm, depth 0.5 cm (part f) height 3.7 cm, width 19.8 cm, depth 1.0 cm (part g)

  • Previous Owner Kenneth Pettapiece
  • Received from Kenneth Pettapiece

  • Made in Southern Highlands

  • Creation Date during 1980
  • Collection Date during 1980
  • Ownership Date before May 10, 2022
  • Acquisition Date on May 10, 2022

  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3566/0001 a-g