E0849: Decorative Piece; Shell

Ethnographic

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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.

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