Necklace
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-neck ornaments
Datemid 20th Century
Made AtEastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
Collection SiteEastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumDog tooth, nassa shell and fiber
Dimensions8 3/8 × 7 1/4 × 3/4 in. (21.3 × 18.4 × 1.9 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2017.10.67
DescriptionThis necklace was collected in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea and dates back to the mid-20th century. The adornment consists of dog teeth and small white shells threaded together with banded fiber. In many Melanesian cultures, canine teeth were utilized as a form of currency and simultaneously as supplies for high-priced ornamentation. As a form of currency, strings of dog teeth were used in trades along the coast and nearby islands. Depending on the number of teeth used and their condition a necklace, such as the one presented here, could be highly valued and used for significance purchases. In the practice of dowries, adornment with canine teeth could be used in bride price.On View
On view
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
18th to 19th Century
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
late 20th Century
19th Century
mid 20th Century