Kapkap, 19th century
Unknown Solomon Islandsexpand_more
Clam shell, tortoise shellexpand_more
The William Hood Dunwoody Fundexpand_more 90.79
Not on Viewexpand_more
The brown, lace-like discs attached to the white clam shells of these ornaments are made of tortoiseshell. When boiled, tortoiseshell becomes pliable and can be cut into patterns. The marble-like shell of the giant clam is a technically challenging medium, nearly as hard as stone. The art of working it reached a peak on the Solomon Islands in Oceania. The ornaments, called kapkap, were used as exchange goods throughout the region, and are still worn today at festivals, signifying personal wealth and status.
Details
- Title
- Kapkap
- Role
- Artist
- Dimension
- 3 5/8 in. (9.21 cm)
- Accession Number
- 90.79
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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