War Charm

Culture: Matankol artist
Date: early 20th century
Material: Wood, frigate bird feathers, resin, binding, paint
made in: Manus province, Papua New Guinea, Oceania
Classification: Jewelry & personal accessories, wood
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 6 11/16 x 20 1/4 in. (17 x 51.5 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Morton D. May
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 131:1978

NOTES

The stylized human face of this war charm features almond-shaped eyes and mouth, with an elongated nose. Signs of facial scarification and earlobe extension, once practiced by Admiralty Islanders in Melanesia, are evident. Below the face, the ornament includes 28 trimmed frigate bird feathers. The charm was tied securely around the neck with cord, and worn so the carved face looked upwards and the feathers flared horizontally away from the body. These objects ensured protection and strength in warfare and when visiting neighboring groups. Today they continue to be made and worn as a part of dance costumes.

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