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Chest Ornament (Wopok), mid to late 20th Century
Dani culture; Baliem Valley, Central Highland…
Chest Ornament (Wopok)
Chest Ornament (Wopok), mid to late 20th Century
Dani culture; Baliem Valley, Central Highland…
Chest Ornament (Wopok), mid to late 20th Century Dani culture; Baliem Valley, Central Highlands, New Guinea, Papua (Irian Jaya) Province, Indonesia, Melanesia Nassa shell, plant fiber and plastic; 21 1/2 × 3 3/4 × 1/2 in. 2017.4.34 Gift of Jean Brenner

Chest Ornament (Wopok)

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-chest ornaments
Culture Dani
Datemid to late 20th Century
Made AtPapua (Irian Jaya) Province, Indonesia
Collection SitePapua (Irian Jaya) Province, Indonesia
MediumNassa shell, plant fiber and plastic
Dimensions21 1/2 × 3 3/4 × 1/2 in. (54.6 × 9.5 × 1.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Jean Brenner
Object number2017.4.34
DescriptionMen's chest ornaments are worn over the sternum as a protective layer for warfare and as protection from malevolent spirits. These adornments, also called wopok, are said to have been worn as part of the regalia of the edai dance which celebrates the death of an enemy.
On View
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