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A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Posted by Mary Ellen Kramer on August 24, 2011 at 10:40pm

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Comments

Joost Daalder August 25, 2011 at 1:18pm

This is a large shell ring made of giant clam shell (Tridacna gigas). It is a wealth object and was also worn as a chest piece. Mid 20th c or later, from the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. Time was when the people who owned these shells would not sell them at any price. Their beliefs have changed, however, and their economy has greatly deteriorated, so in recent years large numbers of these objects have been sold off. They were a sensation when the first examples were sold to westerners, but are now seen very often indeed, though that does not make them inherently less attractive.
Mary Ellen Kramer August 25, 2011 at 5:00pm

Thank you very much for your answer, I appreciate your time and knowledge. MEK
Joost Daalder August 26, 2011 at 1:53am

You are welcome, Mary - I am a manic "annotator", because identification etc do help us to enjoy the pieces yet more.
Eva Baby August 26, 2011 at 9:43am

Looking at the photos here on ethnic jewels really is like reading a book and learning a lot !!!!