Stone for Wealth Display and Exhange (Pibit Pibit)


A pibit pibit stone is used at funerals and for other ceremonial purposes. The stone is Yeineri-sourced. Its color is green-black, and its shape is elongated and triangular. Wrapped around the mid-section of the blade is a band of bark fibers with orchid fibers. On top of the band is a symbolic skirt of light tan shredded bark fibers decorated with two stick-studded cocoons, one resting on either side of the stone, and several bright-colored bird feathers, two with beaks.

Title: Stone for Wealth Display and Exhange (Pibit Pibit)

Artist: Unknown

Creation Date: 1980s – 1990s

Geography: Indonesia, Papua, Grand Valley

Culture: Dani

Medium: Stone, bark fiber, orchid fiber, feather, moth cocoons

Technique: Stone chiseling and grinding, tying, knotting

Dimensions: 38.5 x 8.8 cm. (15.16 x 3.46 in.)

Classification: Tools & Equipment

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

Object ID: H403-DES008