Description:

Oceania, Melanesia, likely Papua New Guinea, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A rare collection of 3 shell bangles, each hand craved from a single piece of shell to create a continuous loop. These shells may have been from conchs or cone sea snails, which can reach great sizes- the widest ring can easily fit over larger wrists. Currency and wealth rings were worn as visual signs of rank and exchanged for dowry. In Papua New Guinea shells were shaped by bamboo and sand friction- often taking months to create a single ring! Size of largest: 4" Diameter x 1" W (10.2 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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#170275

  • Condition: Thickest bangle is repaired. Visible break lines present. Other 2 are not repaired, with only minor chips and nicks. Light mineral deposits and natural shell pitting.

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August 18, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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