We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Armband

mid 20th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

No image
  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Western Highlands Province Papua New Guinea
    Cultural origin
    probably Wahgi people
    Date
    mid 20th century
    Media categories
    Weaving , Jewellery
    Materials used
    plaited rattan, bark inner coil
    Dimensions
    plaited armband: 8.2 cm diam.; 8.5 cm width inner bark armband: 7.7 cm diam.; 8.6 cm width
    Credit
    Gift of Peter Sack 2016
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    215.2016.a-b
    Copyright
    © under the endorsement of the Pacific Islands Museums Association's (PIMA) Code of Ethics
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  • About

    Armbands and wristbands were made across the central highlands of Papua New Guinea. They were constructed using split strands from a variety of rattan canes and vines, and woven and plaited using a variety of intricate and ingenious patterns. It took between ten and twelve hours to make a pair of woven wristbands and required specialised skill and knowledge.

    This armband consists of an outer plaited band, with an inner bark coil giving support to the delicate cane structure. It is heavily patinated with a coating of smoke and, most likely, pig's fat.

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    Western Highlands Province