Plumes and Pearlshells

This is a new book. Condition: Brand New.

Spectacular exchange ceremonies involving hundreds of dancers festooned with elaborate body adornments - including highly prized bird of paradise plumes and the revered kina, or pearlshell - is something for which the peoples of the New Guinea highlands are renowned.

Appreciating the sophistication and sheer beauty of these adornments, Stanley Gordon Moriarty assembled one of the finest collections including exquisitely constructed headdresses, arm- and legbands, ear- and nose-rings and necklaces, made of feathers, shell, bark cloth, animal and plant fibres and natural pigments.

This book presents highlights from the extraordinary collection held by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, as well as other superb pieces used in rituals, war and daily life such as rare gourd masks, painted shields, carved spears, woven and carved figures, textiles and dance masks.

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Paperback / softback
ISBN13: 9781741741056
Published: July 2014

Number of pages: 172
Width: 240 mm
Height: 310 mm
Depth: not specified

Publisher: Art Gallery of New South Wales