Kapkap ornament with beads

This type of ornament is generally called ‘kapkap’, a term deriving from a New Ireland language which is now used widely by Europeans for Melanesian ornaments of this kind. They are usually worn as neck pendants on ceremonial occasions, but also function as valuables in local exchanges.

The white disc is ground from clam shell, while the filigree overlay is made from a thin piece of turtleshell. Both are pierced through the centre for suspension or attachment. Reichard (1933) illustratesa large selection of museum specimens.

Stephan Hooper, 1997

Entry taken from Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, Vol. 2: Pacific, African and Native North American Art, edited by Steven Hooper (Yale University Press, 1997) p. 65.