Papua New Guinea Kapkap Belt Carved Clam Shell New Soloman Islands

Description

This Kapkap Belt is from New Solomon Islands in Papua New Guinea. It is made from a section of clam shell that has been ground down to form a flat disc. An intricate design has been carved out of another shell and affixed to the clam shell disc. Kapkaps are only worn on special occasions, like weddings, feasts and funerals. Only people who have earned the right to be called ‘maimais’, can wear kapkaps. A maimai is a family or clan leader, and they know a lot about traditional culture and customs. In New Ireland, only men can become maimais. The type of designs on a kapkap can show people what ranking, or type of knowledge the maimai has. When the maimai learns new knowledge, or earns the right to speak for another family or clan, a new kapkap is made for him. It can take months to make a new kapkap.
Rare and an amazing addition to your collection
29 Inches Long from End To End
Outer Shells
2.5 x 2.5
Shell 2nd from Left
3 x 3
Shell 4th from Right
3.5 x 3.5
Center Shell
3 3/4 x 3 3/4
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