E0849: Decorative Piece; Shell
Ethnographic
Identifier:
E0849
Classification Category:
3:Personal Artifacts ➞ Adornment
Marks/Labels:
TAG:"CHARM A shell found in the Mozambique Channel and worn as an ornament on top of the head, or on the forehead, or under the chin. The sum of $3 to $4 is often paid for a la[sic.] large-sized one by those living at a distance from the sea. (Madagascar)."
Materials:
animal ➔ shell
binding agents ➔ adhesive
Dimensions:
4.5 cm L
1 cm H
Provenance of Object:
This object was held in the museum that Luther College started in 1877. This museum eventually grew into the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, and following this, non-Norwegian American ethnographic objects were returned to Luther and accessioned into the college’s Anthropology Collection. Without additional documentation, was likely obtained by the Luther College Museum (later the Norwegian-American Museum) between the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Source Locality:
Mozambique Channel, Madagascar
Description:
Circular white shell with a hole in the middle.