Te bunna

human history

Te bunna. Neck ornament of te ira n atu (human hair). Te bunna is specially intended to mark a blessing on a visitor when placed on the neck. It is also worn when dancing. Its entire form is presented in an upward curve. This piece is made from dark and light brown te ira n atu, and dried baa ni kaina (pandanus leaves). Te ira n atu, in small bundles at a time, are looped and intertwined in place by extraordinary rarangaki (weaving) of baa ni kaina. Te raranga forms rows of decorative motifs running the length of the piece. These rows are all combined at each end and the remainder is plaited into a round string and knotted. Te ira n atu is uniformly trimmed at 46mm. The unique feature is displayed in te raranga designs and the ability to produce double-sided motif or designs through a single raranga process.

Accession number: 1936.295 Last Update: 27 Jun 2023
Other Name

Neck ornament (English)

Accession Number

1936.295

Accession Date

1936

Other Id

24079

Department

Pacific

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