Africa, the South Pacific, and the Americas

ornament
ornament
Creation date 1920-1940
Materials clam shell, turtle shell, fiber
Dimensions 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 in.
Credit line Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Accession number 1989.1575
Gallery Label

Melanesian peoples make beautifully adorned items of personal use.  In some areas, circular ornaments such as this one are worn on the forehead or neck. They are made from a carefully carved piece of turtle shell fastened to a clamshell by a cord. The four-point star found at the center of this ornament also appears on shields, paddles and clubs.


Descriptive tags added by visitors:

Artistic, black and white, circle, circular, design, detailed, dizzying, eye, graphic, handmade, looks like a kaleidoscope, never-ending, patterns, plate, round, rythem, stylized, Symetrical, tribal, turtle
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