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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#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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June 8, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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