Trobriand Island Platter for Cone Shell Presentation

An old wooden platter, on purpose built stand, used to present…
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An old wooden platter, on purpose built stand, used to present cone shells (new mwali) to Kaileuna Chiefs at end of the communal cone fishing competiton Vinau, purchased from Chief Katubai on Kaileuna Island, Trobriand Islands Papua New Guinea, mentioned in 'Kula: Myth & Magic in the Trobriand Islands', Jutta Malnic Cowrie books 1998, p120, diameter 52 cm

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  • Cone - A popular decorative motif based on the shape of the pine cone, and used in silver ceramics and furniture. Because of its shape it is most suitable for use as a finial.

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