Neck ornament - Kap Kap
Production date
Unknown
Country
Solomon Islands
State/Province
Temotu
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Object detail
Description
Neck ornament - Kap Kap, clam shell disc with turtleshell attachment, plaited plant fibre suspension cord.
Maker
Production date
Unknown
Production place
Measurements
Dia. 127mm
Media/Materials description
Shell, turtleshell, plant fibre
History and use
This neck ornament is known as a kap kap, and is made from a section of clam shell that has been ground down to form a flat disc. An intricate design is carved from turtle shell and then affixed to the clam shell base. Kap kaps are used throughout Melanesia as a symbol of high ranking, especially in relation to customary knowledge, and can generally be worn as a pendant around the neck (like this one) or on a headband on the forehead or to the side of the head. This kap kap was collected in the Solomon Islands from a Malaitan person.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Registration number
E17841
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