A NEW IRELAND ANTIQUE CEREMONIAL SHELL BELT

Provenance: Hans Nevermann Collection, Germany

These kind of mussel and coconut shell belts were part of dance and memorial ceremonies and only worn by men. They were also used as currency for marriage.
This old belt has a label written by Hans Nevermann with the following text: “Stäbchen-Gürtel für frauen, Kapsu Neu Mëcklenburg”
Cf: Schmuck der Südsee, Ingrid Herrmann, page 94,144

Kapsu, New Ireland former: Neu Mecklenburg
Mussel disks, Kokos beads and vegetable fiber, good condition. 58 x 8 cm

Price:  Sold