Ear Ornament

18005A

From: Marquesas Islands

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

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Native Name Arke-ketua
Object Number 18005A
Current Location Collections Storage
Provenience Marquesas Islands
Section Oceanian
Materials Whale Ivory
Description

Carved walrus tusk earrings. Worn by men. The spur was passed through a hole in the lobe of the ear and projected behind. A small wooden plug, passed through the hole in the spur, held the ornament in place. Sometimes a band connecting the ornaments passed over the head to take the weight off the ear lobes. The material is chacalot ivory.

Length 8 cm
Width 6.2 cm
Credit Line Gift of William Pepper, 1891

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