Cowrie Shell Pouch


This small bag is tightly woven from twisted bark fiber string decorated with yellow orchid fibers. One side of the bag continues for more than one meter beyond the mouth of the pouch, slowly tapering to a point. The bag is filled with cowrie shells (jeraken). To close, the long strap is wrapped several times around the pouch.

Title: Cowrie Shell Pouch

Artist: Unknown

Creation Date: 1982

Geography: Indonesia, Papua, Dugam

Culture: Dani

Medium: Bark fiber, orchid fiber, cowrie shell

Technique: Knotless netting

Dimensions: 10 x 121 cm. (3.94 x 47.64 in.)

Classification: Accessories Carried

Credit Line: Gift of Fleur Hampton in memory of Dr. O. W. Hampton, 2020

Object ID: H70-WB003