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