Vintage PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRIBAL CURRENCY Bride's DOWRY BELT Nassa shell headband

But have closed our shop and are. Clearing the remaining stock and parts of our personal collection.

Please save us as favourites to keep an eye on new items to be offered. This is a LARGE, vintage hand-woven Nassa Shell belt from Papua New Guinea. Such as these have been traded as part of a. The smaller could be worn as headbands. Alternatively, they were worn across the chest or back. Being such a large example, this was probably worn as a belt rather than a headband.

Hundreds - even thousands of tiny. Were normally sewn on a natural pigment dyed plant or bark fiber backing. This particular piece seems to show European contact as the shells seem to be sewn onto heavy, khaki coloured canvas-like fabric.

Generally, because of the shell's value, only people of importance and wealth could afford to wear them. This wonderful and highly collectable piece measures approx.

58 cm (23) in length. Eighs 230 grams before packing. Good, strong condition with NO missing shells. The detailed photos provided reflect the condition well and form an important part of the description.

We do not claim to be experts in all fields of collecting, so. Take a good look at the photographs provided. They will not look brand new.

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