Bailer shell, pectoral ornament Highland region Papua New Guinea, second half of 20th century - Papua New Guinea (No reserve price)

OLD Highland Bailer shell pendent.
Just the shell is 24cm high.

Western highlands province. Papua new Guinea. A Bailer shell this size, age and quality was highly valued in the Papuan Highlands.
The bailer shell (melo amphora) is the most important pectoral in this region, worn mainly by men, but sometimes women of high status. They follow trade routes that bring these shells hundreds of kilometres from the coast, and they become both important in ceremony but also as items of wealth. Most are shaped, with a fibre chord to hang around the neck.