Amulet, Amulet bag

NameAmulet, Amulet bag

CultureIatmul

Date20th century

Place madePapua New Guinea, Melanesia, Oceania

MediumFiber, dog teeth, cowry shell, mother of pearl, wood

DimensionsOverall (overall (amulet)): 3 3/4 x 1 x 1 in. (9.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm)
Overall (overall (bag)): 15 1/2 x 1 15/16 x 13/16 in. (39.4 x 5 x 2 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Gift of Arlen Westbrook Clinard, A.2010.28.1ab

Object numberA.2010.28.1ab

Collections

Beadwork

DescriptionAmulet (a): Stylized, dark wood male figure with oval, mask-like head with pop-eyes and piercings all around head; hands clasped at chest, defined genetalia. Bag (b): Medium light brown twisted and woven fiber bag. One side of the pouch ornamented with small cowrie shells. Down the center are two columns of four outward facing dog teeth with a mother of pearl teardrop shaped pendant centered between the bottom two teeth. Two long multi-strand straps, tied together at the top.