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A bridal headdress from Papua called 'ambusap'
About the Item
Iatmul, Papua New Guinea, 20th century
This ceremonial headdress is traditionally worn by a young bride as she enters her new husband’s home for the first time. Adorned with shells—especially cowries, once traded as currency—the headdress is both a symbol of beauty and an essential part of the dowry in wedding rituals. The shells signify the family’s wealth and clan affiliation, showcasing their heritage. In certain ceremonies, men may also wear this headdress, taking on the guise of a bride to represent an ancestor, symbolizing continuity and connection with the past.
Provenance:
- Collection Rinck Hollnberger, Munich (purchased in the 1980s or 1990s)
- Dimensions:Height: 34.65 in (88 cm)Width: 11.03 in (28 cm)Depth: 8.67 in (22 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:19th century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Amsterdam, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5458242099062
About the Seller
5.0
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Established in 1985
1stDibs seller since 2020
21 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Maastricht, Netherlands
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
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