Armbands ('abagwaro)
North Malaita Island, Solomon Islands
Shell beads, natural fiber
Early to mid 20th century

These armbands or pattern straps ('abagwaro) are woven of small shell beads and are usually worn by men on the upper arm for special occasions. The beads are white galu, red fira'i and black fulu, but they are smaller and finer than those used in money, maybe re-ground from worn money-beads. They are strung on natural fiber in a pattern identified as originating in Fata'olo in Baelelea, north Malaita. Sold separately.

Cf. Body Ornaments of Malaita, Solomon Islands by Ben Burt, University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu, 2009. p. 133

#2537   9 by 3.75 inches (23 by 9.5 cm)  $750

#2538   9 by 4 inches (23 by 10 cm)  $750