Charm (Marupai) in Bag
ClassificationsSculpture
Culture
Elema
Dateearly 20th Century
Made AtGulf Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumDwarf coconut, white lime and plant fiber
Dimensionsa: 4 × 1 1/4 × 1 in. (10.2 × 3.2 × 2.5 cm)
b: 9 1/4 × 1 13/16 in. (23.5 × 4.6 cm)
b: 9 1/4 × 1 13/16 in. (23.5 × 4.6 cm)
Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase
Object number2011.14.2a,b
DescriptionThis marupai charm was made by the Elema culture of the Gulf of Papua. These amulets were used as protective charms and by sorcerers to cast magic. The carvings on the front of this marupai are reminiscent of the spirits found on the hohao or gope boards. The sides of the charm appear to be zoomorphic, almost pig-like in appearance. It is rare for one of these charms to have been kept with the tightly woven string bag necklace that men used to carry them.On View
On view
mid 20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
