Dog Tooth Collar

Papua New Guinea, Sepik region or Highlands

XXᵉ century

Collar composed of 27 carefully selected dog canines, mounted on a braided plant fiber structure, featuring original consolidated mounting.

The teeth, of slightly varying dimensions, offer beautiful visual regularity and a nuanced natural patina, ranging from light ivory to honey tones. The old, unreworked mounting shows traditional reinforcements attesting to prolonged use in a ritual and ceremonial context.

In Papua New Guinean societies, dog teeth - particularly canines - are elements of adornment associated with power, prestige and social identity. Worn during ceremonies or exchanges, they participate in the visual affirmation of the wearer's status.

This type of necklace, distinct from coins made from pig tusks, relates more to a logic of personal prestige and ritual representation.

Provenance:

Collection Jean-Pierre Dutilleux, assembled during field missions in Papua New Guinea; piece collected in situ.

Example reproduced in his reference book TRIBES "The First People" collection VILO

EXHIBITION

"Monde Premier", Belgium

Condition:

Original consolidated mounting (see photo book)

Wear and patina consistent with use. Stable and authentic set.

Span length: 38 cm

Number of prongs: 27