Chest Ornament
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-chest ornaments
Culture
Mendi
Date19th to early 20th Century
Made AtSouthern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
Collection SiteSouthern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumShell and fiber
Dimensions21 × 8 × 3 1/2 in. (53.3 × 20.3 × 8.9 cm)
Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase
Object number2015.19.1
DescriptionThis ornament, also known as a pakol, would be worn by a Mendi man as part of his ceremonial attire. Pakol are considered to be the most important adornment items for the Mendi and the neighboring Enga peoples. The shell used to create this ornament is known as the bailer shell. The Mendi reside within the highlands of Papua New Guinea, and thus this shell traveled many miles from the coast via trade networks. While it is common to find pakol decorated with geometric designs, it is very rare to find examples decorated with abstract figures. Such designs are specifically used in the Mendi Valley. These designs were made by striking the shell in the desired pattern with a sharp stone.On View
On viewCollections
19th to 20th Century
20th Century
mid 19th - early 20th Century
mid to late 1800s
