Ear Ornament

Item number 734/12 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

A long red-brown piece of skin folded in half lengthwise with a beaded design of four rows on one side. The top row has horizontal lines of blue-white, red, green, and white beads. The second row has horizontal lines of blue, white, and orange beads in between a big white bead outlined with blue beads and a big blue bead outlined with red beads. The third row has horizontal lines of blue, white, green, and red beads. The fourth row has horizontal lines of blue, red, and blue-white beads in between a big green bead outlined with orange beads and a big orange bead outlined with blue beads. The end is rimmed with two rows of red, and green beads.

History Of Use

Made to be passed through the large hole of the ear lobes. The holes in the ears are made prior to a girl's circumcision. The name is 'enchoni enkiiok', literally ‘leather strap of the ear’. These flaps show that initiation has occurred and should be worn by all women. They also serve as a support for carrying meaningful ornaments linked to marriage and motherhood. There is a presence of red ochre on the beads and leather, which indicates that the flap has been worn.