Beads Item Number: 3383/12 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Trade beads strung together on a clear plastic cord. The beads are ellipsoidal-shaped with lengthwise grooves.
History Of Use
Referred to by the donor as "Portuguese trade beads"; thought to have been brought to islands such as New Guinea by European ships. Traditionally used for bride price and other transactions by groups such as the Asmat.
Narrative
According to the donor, the Asmat objects in this accession (3383/1-12), as well as one other carving sold to MOA in 1990 (1481/1), were collected by an explorer named Jim Allen during two trips: one in the spring of 1989, the other in the fall of 1989. On the second expedition they explored the remote Asmat territories of the upper Brazza and Senggo, by hiking down from the highlands.
Item History
- Made in Portugal ?
- Collected in Papua, Indonesia during 1989
- Owned by Jim Allen
- Owned by Joanne Fallow before August 21, 2019
- Received from Joanne Fallow (Donor) on August 21, 2019
What
Who
- Culture
- Asmat
- Previous Owner
- Jim Allen and Joanne Fallow
- Received from
- Joanne Fallow (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Portugal ?
- Collected in
- Papua, Indonesia
When
- Collection Date
- during 1989
- Ownership Date
- before August 21, 2019
- Acquisition Date
- on August 21, 2019
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 3383/0012