Papua New Guinea Kapkap Belt Carved Clam Shell New Soloman Islands Kapkap Belt

This Kapkap Belt is from New Solomon Islands in Papua New Guinea. It is made from a section of clam shell that has been ground down to form a flat disc. An intricate design has been carved out of another shell and affixed to the clam shell disc. Kapkaps are only worn on special occasions, like weddings, feasts and funerals. Only people who have earned the right to be called maimais, can wear kapkaps.

In New Ireland, only men can become maimais. The type of designs on a kapkap can show people what ranking, or type of knowledge the maimai has. When the maimai learns new knowledge, or earns the right to speak for another family or clan, a new kapkap is made for him. It can take months to make a new kapkap. Rare and an amazing addition to your collection 29 Inches Long from End To End Outer Shells 2.5 x 2.5 Shell 2nd from Left 3 x 3 Shell 4th from Right 3.5 x 3.5 Center Shell 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 AT BACARA WE STAND BEHIND ALL OF OUR MERCHANDISE.

WE CAN PROVIDE REFERENCES FOR ALL ARTIFACTS THAT WE SELL, AS WELL AS DOCUMENTATION TOWARD THEIR AUTHENTICITY. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT BACARA. The item "Papua New Guinea Kapkap Belt Carved Clam Shell New Soloman Islands Kapkap Belt" is in sale since Tuesday, June 26, 2018. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic\Pacific Islands & Oceania". The seller is "bacara-online" and is located in Overland Park, Kansas. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Color: Multi-Color
Material: Clam Shell
Original/Reproduction: Original