Canoe Shield
Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
ca. 1950s
palm wood, bamboo, cassowary feathers, paint
EC 115
Canoes are the main form of transportation along the Sepik River of Papua New Guinea. Traditionally they are decorated with shields showing clan symbols and other emblems of power to ensure both speed and success.
Necklace
Daiden Village, Ramu River, Papua New Guinea
ca. 1970
gold lip pearl shell
R1339.5
The large gold lip pearl shell is the most common wealth item in Papua New Guinea. In the past special pearl shells were given names and tally ropes were attached to maintain a record of each time the shell was traded.
Neck Ornament
Goroka, Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea
ca. 1969
fibre string, shells, wood
R895.212
This neck ornament was given by the husband's family to the bride's family in recogition of the loss of a daughter and companion.
Mask
Mamba, Vanuatu (New Hebrides)
n.d.
boar tusks, grass, paint
R1514.13
Vanuatu (New Hebrides) is a chain of 82 islands in Melanesia. Ceremonial masks are worn by men, and the multiple faces may represent different aspects of the spirit.
Lintel
Wosera, Papua New Guinea
ca. 1960s
wood, paint
R1738.413
In the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea each village has a haus tambaran, or spirit house. Elaborately carved lintels and masks decorate the haus tambaram and act as a protective shield.
Water Birds Arriving at Mikantji After a Storm
c.1970
Kaapa Kjanbidjimba
Western Desert, Australia
EA 301
Since ancient times desert clans in Australia have created ground "paintings" made of seeds, flowers, sand, stones, feathers, and other natural substances as they moved from place to place in the desert. During the painting the clan elders sing their tribal knowledge and clan history to the young people. Today, these designs are painted on art board and canvas for sale to the outside world.
