MALE PECTORAL, ''karawut''

Abelam people 

Prince Alexander Mountains, PNG

This pectoral is used in different ways. In warfare it is held in the mouth of the warrior - and this is for two reasons: 

1. The pig tusks make him appear like a wild boar, which is a ferocious fighter when being hunted.

2. Clenching the teeth strongly on the ''karawut'' protects the warrior from any sorcerey magic entering his body through his mouth.

In dance, this pectoral is worn by men, usually only successful warriors, on their back.

The pectoral is very well woven and decorated, with a human-like form, then covered in fine graded nassa shells. One extraordinary thing about this particular ''karawut'' is the large circular shell attached on its back. This is a hand-cut clamshell ring, very valuable

in Abelam society. It shows the importance of this pectoral.

Size: 40 cm (length)  13.5 cm (width)  4 cm (depth)

Weight: 402 grams

For international shipping quotes please message or email.