An old chest or back-ornament of the ‘siripaya’ type, for men in the Eastern Highlands of New Guinea (tribe: Bena-Bena inter alia). ‘Siripaya’ are made up of a rod with two big white ovulidae snail shells (cowry shells) attached to its two ends. In between is a tight wickerwork of fibre cords, whereby the dried and twisted plant fibres are plaited such as to produce entire surfaces.
The wickerwork envelopes the inner rod and builds flattened projections upwards and downwards (two upwards, then two downwards one top of the other). These are trimmed and decorated with rows of small nassa shells. Tied on the inside of the shells is a carrying strap made of bark bast. On everyday occasions, the ‘siripaya’ ornaments are worn by the so-called ‘Big Men’ of the tribe, on the chest or on the back. In tribal warfare, during battle, they are, however, carried between the teeth in the mouth so as to frighten the enemy. In the inter-family negotiation of bride price, this type of ornament serves also as an object of value and as ‘money’. An interesting, old piece with visible, partly shiny usage patina on its back. Height: 26 cm (without carrying strap), Width: 27 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Private collection of an Austrian traveller.

Lit.:
'Ozeanische Kunst' by Anthony J. P. Meyer, ill. 344; 'Melanesien. Schwarze Inseln der Südsee', Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Köln catalogue. ill. 331.