Chest Plate, mid to late 1800s
Santa Cruz, Solomon Islands, Melanesia
Clam shell, turtle she…

Chest Ornament (Tema)

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-chest ornaments

Datemid to late 1800s

Made AtTemotu Province, Solomon Islands

MediumClam shell, turtle shell and fiber

Dimensions6 1/2 × 6 3/8 × 7/16 in. (16.6 × 16.2 × 1.1 cm)

Credit LineBequest of Jackie Little

Object number2013.27.2

DescriptionTema were large chest ornaments of clam shell worn by male dancers on the islands of Santa Cruz. Tema were worn by important men in ceremonies and during battle. The turtle shell overlay typically has stylized frigate birds, bonito fish and sharks as elements of its design: it combines them into what is said to be a stylized ancestor figure.

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