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. The Neck ornament is made from multiple strands of te ira n atu (human hair) that have been rolled into thin two-ply cords. These individual cords are then grouped together and twisted tightly to form a thick tubular band of hair that is folded and bound with thread at each end. Two ties made from this same thread extend out at each of the ends and are presumably used for tying the ornament around the neck. Attached to the Neck ornament are two small shell pendants that have been tied onto it with strings of pandanus fibre. The bigger of the two shell pieces is circular, roughly textured, and red in colour. This once again shows the value placed on this ornament as the colour red is very important and significant in Kiribat culture. The second piece of shell is fashioned from mother of pearl, is triangular in shape, and has an iridescent, smooth surface. Both pieces have a small hole drilled through them at the top to allow for suspension.

Other Name

Neck ornament of plaited and twisted human hair (English)

Place

Beru/Gilbert Islands/Kiribati

Accession Number

1936.295

Accession Date

1936

Other Id

24018 (ethnology)

11 (Maude Collection)

Department

Pacific