Bidspirit auction | Group of 3 Papua New

Group of 3 Papua New Guinea Ceremonial Regalia - A collection of traditional ceremonial regalia from Papua New Guinea. The assortment includes two woven bands and one pendant necklace. The first band is a narrow strip of light brown natural plant fiber decorated with small white cowrie shells. The second, wider band is woven with dark brown and reddish-brown dyed fiber in a textured pattern, featuring a zig-zag arrangement of cowrie shells. The third item is a pendant necklace composed of two large, curved boar tusks joined at the base to form a circular element. The joint is secured with dark woven fiber decorated with a double column of cowrie shells, suspended from a long woven fiber cord. Largest item: 6” W x 34” L. More from the same 1987 Papua New Guinea expedition, including the painted bark tapa, the carved headrest, and in Lot 54 the ceremonial phallic gourds worn by Highlands men, which the Benchleys brought home because they were fascinating, exotic, and the source of wonderful conversation pieces. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.