Armband
Production date
Circa 1920s
Country
Solomon Islands
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Object detail
Description
Glass beads woven onto bark fibre string. Union Jack motif.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander arm ornament
Maker
Production date
Circa 1920s
Production place
Measurements
L500 x W20 x H1 mm
Media/Materials description
Glass beads, bark fibre string
Signature/Marks
1920s \ From everywhere in \ Solomons. \ Gift
History and use
This object is from the Helen Barrett collection, which was donated to Queensland Museum in 2014. Miss Helen Barrett worked as a nurse with the Australian Board of Mission in Solomon Islands from 1947 until 1984. Barrett was based at Tasia in Isabel Province, and Maravovo on Guadalcanal before being stationed at the Hospital of the Epiphany at Fauabu, Malaita from 1968 until 1984. In the 1990s, Barrett worked with the Mothers Union in the Torres Strait Islands. Her collection largely comprises of objects that were presented as gifts over the course of her missionary work in Melanesia.
Following their introduction to Solomon Islands, glass trade beads became a popular addition to many types of body adornments. This armband was made in around the 1920s and features a motif of Union Jacks. The object was presented to the donor as a gift.
Following their introduction to Solomon Islands, glass trade beads became a popular addition to many types of body adornments. This armband was made in around the 1920s and features a motif of Union Jacks. The object was presented to the donor as a gift.
Registration number
E40746