Three Highland Papuan Necklaces – Trade Beads and Pig Tusk – Old Colonial Collection A group of three traditional necklaces from the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, originating from an old colonial collection. These ornaments reflect the rich tradition of personal adornment among Highland Papuan communities. The necklaces are composed of a combination of early trade beads and natural elements, including a curved pig tusk pendant. Pig tusks held considerable value in Highland societies and were closely associated with wealth, prestige, and ceremonial exchange, particularly within the context of bridewealth and large communal feasts. The colorful trade beads, introduced through early contact and trade networks, were highly prized and incorporated into traditional jewelry. Over time they became an integral part of Highland adornment, often combined with natural materials to create visually striking and symbolically meaningful ornaments. All three necklaces display clear signs of age and use, with attractive patina and wear consistent with long-term handling. Together they form a representative group of Highland Papuan body ornaments, illustrating the blending of indigenous materials with early trade items. Details • Origin: Highlands, Papua New Guinea • Objects: Three necklaces • Materials: Trade beads, pig tusk, natural fibers • Period: Early–mid 20th century (or earlier) • Provenance: Old colonial collection • Condition: Good, with age wear and patina A fine group of authentic Highland Papuan adornments, combining traditional symbolism with historic trade materials and offering strong ethnographic interest for collectors of Oceanic art. • Provenance: Private collection A rare opportunity to acquire authentic ethnographic fishing implements from the maritime culture of the Solomon Islands, reflecting traditional craftsmanship and practical knowledge of the reef environment. Field collected on New Georgia Island, 1993 Packed with care Sending worldwide Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024 A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies. A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums   Google:Papua Blues Koos Knol