MAN’S PECTORAL, “Pakol”, Mendi Valley. Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea For Sale

MAN’S PECTORAL, “Pakol”Mendi Valley, Southern HighlandsPapua New GuineaThese pectorals are made ofbailer shell, that have travelledalong trade routes from thedistant north coast of NewGuinea. Among the Mendi &Enga people they are the mostimportant item for ceremonialdecoration, most are plain.These shell pectorals wereimmensely valuable in pre-contact times, and their valuewent far beyond the decorativeelement. In fact, they were animportant element of bridalpayments and all otherexchanges that took placeduring ceremonial gatheringsthat included compensationafter deaths in warfare and atfunerals of Big Men.Size: 24.3 cm (length) 20.3 cm (width) 9.5 cm (depth)
Weight: 366 grams