NEW GUIENA HIGHLAND BAILER SHELL ORNAMENT
This is the bulbous piece from the dorsal
region of a bailer or whitegum shell
worn suspended round the neck hanging on the chest. It is primarily worn by men and young women who
take part in full dress dances. The size
of the shell determines the occasion on which is to be worn. The presence of these shells in the Highlands
was not great until European contact in the mid 1930’s Often native works who went to the coast
would return with them and with them came a degree of prestige. These items were also handed down with in the
family and prior to European contact had a great value associated to them. This shell was collected in the Central Highlands of New Guinea in the 1970's. It is in good condition and shows good signs of usage.
25 cm long x 19cm wide shell size
Please view the photos carefully as they make up an important part of the description