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FOREHEAD ORNAMENT called dala kap kap
New Georgia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia
Late 19th - early 20th century
Shell, tooth, tortoiseshell, and natural fibers
Diameter: 9.5 cm
(indigenous restoration and very slight ancient damage)
This head ornament consists of a tridacna shell disc decorated with a finely openwork tortoiseshell plate. It is cut into a rosette with anthropo-geometric designs and pierced in its center to be held to the shell with a cord of plant fibers. Finished with a bead made of a small tooth—likely a dogfish tooth.
Indigenous restorations made to the tortoiseshell, using natural fibers, enhance the finesse of the piece. This ornament was sometimes worn as a pendant or attached to a headband of braided plant fibers. It could sometimes be used as currency.
It is said that small dala kap kap were worn by women, while larger ones were worn by men.
Provenance: Former Léo and Lillian Fortess Collection, Hawaii, USA.
Bibliography: Exhibited at the Honolulu Academy of Fine Arts.
Illustrative image: Anonymous photographer, 1900-1942 © Musée du Quai Branly
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Ref. LP5496
Ref: GST8BSMTFP