Oceanic Art - Miscellaneous Enlargement

This set of shell hair ornaments come from the coastal area at the mouth of the Ramu River in Papua New Guinea. The white outer shell is from the bailer shell and the inside carved section is turtle shell. The pieces were worn in the hair by men during traditional dances. There are remains of feathers attached to finely woven fiber chains as well. The bailer shell is attached to a sharpened piece of black palm wood that would have been stuck in the hair of the wearer. The shell portion of each is approximately 4" wide, they are mounted as a set. sold