New Guinea Woven Cowrie Marriage Headdress
19th-20th century A.D.. A long open ambuusap of closely woven fibre cords with small cowrie shells sewn to the outer surfaces in lines, terminating at the base in a crocodile head; typical of work from the Siakulen Blackwater Lakes region in Sepik Province; with a custom-made display stand. Cf. Biebuyck D and Van den Abbeele, N., The Power of Headdresses, Brussels, 1984, p.228, pl.182, for similar and discussion. 2 kg total, 82 cm including stand (32 1/2 in.).

Acquired 1970s-1990s.Ex property of an American gentleman.

These elaborate headdresses were worn by women on ceremonial occasions, such as marriage. [No Reserve]