This pectoral from Papua New Guinea, made of dogs’ teeth, is truly exceptional – very rare, according to all knowledgeable observers – in size and in shape. So far we have not been able to find out at all why, in comparison with other PNG dogs’ teeth pectorals, this has “wings” or “fins” attached, rather than featuring just the basic triangle which is not at all uncommon. Presumably the overall shape of the piece does have some sort of symbolic meaning. With its size, and the traditional wealth it represents, it would certainly have belonged to a person of status. The piece is also very old. Probably it is from the Madang area, or else from a place near it. The attachments are pieces of shell.
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