Papua New Guinea Southern Highlands Ceremonial Men's Cassowary Feather and Fibre Headdress

A Papua New Guinea Southern Highlands Ceremonial Men's Cassowary Feather and Fibre Headdress
With an old label inscribed: 'New Guinea Chaplet of Cassowary feathers, the feathers stand up all around the head'
19th Century
Size: 23cm high, 20cm deep – 9 ins high, 8 ins deep
See: Finch and Co catalogue no. 14, item no. 25, for two other examples
In Papua New Guinea men of influence were known as 'Big Men'. They had acquired 'mana' and rank throughout their own abilities, and had become powerful and wealthy by being on the alert to all the economic opportunities within their local community. By wearing special ornaments such as this headdress they would demand recognition of their status.

Papua New Guinea Southern Highlands Ceremonial Men's Cassowary Feather and Fibre Headdress

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ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk