Necklace
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-neck ornaments
Dateearly to mid 20th Century
Made AtGoroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
Collection SiteGoroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumCowrie shell, mother-of-pearl and fiber
Dimensions27 × 12 × 4 1/2 in. (68.6 × 30.5 × 11.4 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2017.10.2
DescriptionThis cowrie shell and mother-of pearl necklace was collected in Goroka the capital of the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Necklaces play a crucial role in adornment for both men and women. Because status is determined by the amount of jewelry and ornamentation on wears on their person. Cowrie necklaces are particularly effective at elevating the wearer’s body. Aside from their aesthetic usage, necklaces that feature cowrie shells are utilized as currency for exchanged goods. In the New Guinea Highlands, cowrie shell exchange has been studied by researchers as way of understanding the economic and social stratification among banded communities. The cowrie shells featured on this necklace are referred to as “money cowrie”—also known as Cypraea Moneta. Money cowrie is the highest value of currency used in the Eastern Highlands. For example string of money cowrie measuring the wingspan of a father’s outstretched arm, could be used to purchase his daughter as a bride.On View
On view
20th Century
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century