Abelam, Karahut Breast ornament
41 cm
An initiated man wore during festivities his karahut on his back. The ornament is made of pig teeth and nassa shells fixed to a frame which has the shape of a human being.
The ornament refers to the aggression of the wild pig. When invading a village the men wore the karahut in his mouth, so that the power of the wild pig gave them strength.
Bought in the 70ties.
€ 800