Te mwae te bunna

Te mwae te bunna. Neck ornament of plaited and twisted human hair. Te mwae te bunna is a specially intended ornament that goes around the neck of a visitor to mark blessing, goodwill and protection. Special rituals precede the placing of te bunna. It could also be worn in dance. This Neck ornament is made from multiple, very thin three-ply plaited strands of te ira n atu (human hair) that are loosely laid together and twisted slightly. Both ends of this mass of hair are bound together with fabric or cotton cords and tied in such a manner as to divide the mass into a circular loop at this point. These cords are also used to fasten the bunna, being knotted at the back of the neck. For this particular Neck ornament both ends are bound however one end no longer has its two-ply rolled cord for tying.

Common Name

Adornment

Other Name

Neck ornament of plaited and twisted human hair (English)

Place

Beru/Gilbert Islands/Kiribati Tabiteuea/Gilbert Islands/Kiribati

Accession Number

1936.295

Accession Date

1936

Other Id

23971 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific