Necklace
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-neck ornaments
Culture
Dani
Datemid to late 20th Century
Made AtPapua (Irian Jaya) Province, Indonesia
Collection SitePapua (Irian Jaya) Province, Indonesia
MediumPig tooth and plant fiber
DimensionsFlexible: 5 1/2 × 3 1/4 × 1 in. (14 × 8.3 × 2.5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Jean Brenner
Object number2017.4.30
DescriptionThough in the late 20th century widespread missionary work has affected the spiritual beliefs of the Dani people of New Guinea’s Central Highlands pigs were once a locus for religion, ceremony, trade, and practically all facets of society. It is well-evidenced that the Dani are makers of pig tooth necklaces, which are often used as trading items and even offered in exchange for marriage. There is a possibility as well, based off Jean Brenner’s note (attached to this record as a text entry) that this object originates from the Asmat for whom pigs are similarly important, and who similarly have a tradition of making tooth necklaces out of pig’s teeth.
On View
Not on viewCollections
mid 19th - early 20th Century
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
late 19th to mid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
20th Century
19th Century
early to mid 20th Century
