Lumi Shell Wealth Mats for Bride Payments and Ceremonies

Two Lumi shell wealth Mats (poli), [2], Lumi area, Wape Culture,…
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Two Lumi shell wealth Mats (poli), [2], Lumi area, Wape Culture, Torricelli Mountains, West Sepik Province,Papua New Guinea, These important wealth objects were used as a currency during bride payments, they consist of hundreds of tiny nassa shells individually sewn in rows onto a bark cloth backing. They were also worn during important ceremonies to honour their ancestors. Provenance: Todd Barlin collection c. 1986. 39 x 36 cm, 55 x 20 cm

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