Oceania
Central to Oceanic adornment traditions are a wide variety of shells. Their value is based on their rarity, healing properties and origin stories. Many types of shells—ranging from giant clam shells to small cowrie shells–are incorporated in pectorals, necklaces, nose ornaments, arm bands and belts. In addition to shell, animal teeth and bird bones, tortoise shells, seeds, glass trade beads, and feathers were also fashioned into jewelry forms. Jewelry was used for initiation ceremonies marking the end of childhood, compensation for insults and injuries, marriage negiotiations, and rituals associated with commemorating the dead. Some items may be worn only by men and served as battle ornaments, providing protection for warriors.
Indonesian Headdress
20 th Century
The headdress features features from the great argus (Argusianes
argus) and the rhinoceros hornbill (Buceras rhinoceros). It also
features the beak of a rhinoceros hornbill.
Micronesian Tortoise Shell Bracelets
These bracelets are made from the shell of Hawksbill Turtles Cheloia
imbricata.
Micronesian Tortoise Shell Comb
19 th Century
This comb was collected by a Portland, Maine mariner, Captain B. J.
Willard.
Abelam Basketry Crests
These objects were collected in Papua New Guinea in the 1970s by Roy
Heldland, who did fieldwork there.
Indonesian Man’s Necklace
20th Century
This piece is modeled on a tora tora—a headhunter’s necklace.
Fiber and Shell Headbands from Mokil
20 th Century
These headbands were collected by Richard Emerick during fieldwork in
the Caroline Islands in the 1950s.
Tourist Bracelet and Necklace from Papua New Guinea
c. 1980
Indonesian Coconut and Bronze Torque Necklace
c. 1900
This necklace from Nias in North Sumatra was traditionally worn during
war dances.
Maori Jade Tiki
c. 1970
Carved by Frank Salt from Rotorua, New Zealand.