Dog's teeth were used both as ornamentation and currency in parts of New Guinea until the 1960s. The Kombai people's tradition was for a groom to provide necklaces of dog's teeth to the bride's family. The Malfulu people used the teeth to buy pigs; a cord stretching from nose to tail would suit for a purchase. Before WWI, German colonizers imported imitation porcelain dog's teeth to be used in trade. This warrior's necklace was bought in New Guinea over 20 years ago, and dates between 1800 and 1960.
From the collection of JT Hall.
From the collection of JT Hall.
No comments:
Post a Comment