Oceanic Art - Bailer shell pectoral, Highlands, Papua New Guinea

This large bailer shell comes from the Southern or Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. It was worn as a pectoral and has a silky smooth patina, holes that have broken through with wear and re-drilled below. It measures 10" in high and is 8” wide. Please see photo below of a similar piece being worn – the pink color is traditional pigment. Please see below for a very similar example on a Highlands woman. Early to mid-20th century. #3122 $400

Oceanic Art - Bailer shell pectoral, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, back

Oceanic Art - Bailer shell pectoral, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, detail