Nose Ornament Called Bipane - Asmat Culture, Papua New Guinea - First Half Of The 20th Century

Name: Nose Ornament Called Bipane - Asmat Culture, Papua New Guinea - First Half Of The 20th Century
SKU: 1698060
Price: 420 EUR
Availability: InStock

Nose Ornament Called Bipane - Asmat Culture, Papua New Guinea - First Half Of The 20th Century -photo-2

Nose Ornament Called Bipane - Asmat Culture, Papua New Guinea - First Half Of The 20th Century -photo-3

Nose Ornament Called Bipane - Asmat Culture, Papua New Guinea - First Half Of The 20th Century -photo-4

Nose Ornament Called Bipane - Asmat Culture, Papua New Guinea - First Half Of The 20th Century -photo-1

Object description :

"Nose Ornament Called Bipane - Asmat Culture, Papua New Guinea - First Half Of The 20th Century "

NOSE ORNAMENT called Bipane
Asmat Culture, Papua
First half of the 20th century
Shell, cowrie, and plant resin
H. : 10 ; L. : 15.5 cm

This significant body adornment is carved from two sections of shells cut into spirals and assembled using plant gum, enhanced with small applied cowrie shells.
The inner concave part is white and smooth, while the outer convex part of the shell retains its brown tones and natural streaks.

Ornament that was both masculine and feminine, it was placed at the tip of the nose, on the nasal septum during ceremonies. This particular piercing of the septum was performed during the initiation rites of young girls and boys.
Its characteristic shape resembles the moon, but also the tusks of pigs. An analogy operation then takes place. Indeed, the pig is a man-eater just as man is a headhunter.

Illustration image: Unknown source.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref. : 6703

Price: 420 €