Armbands
West New Britain or the Siassi Islands, Eastern Papua
Trocus shell, cotton fabric
2" (5 cm) wide, 9" (22.8 cm) inner circumference
Early 20th century
There are five rings of the highly prized shell in each armband, bound by plaited strips of cotton fabric. Originally, these would have been bound with fiber, but the red cotton is admired for its color. The incised markings on each ring add a striking graphic layer to the bracelets. Ex. Anthony Granucci collection.
#6514

$1500 for the pair