condensed discuss document expanded export feedback print share remove reset document_white enquire_white export_white report_white

Collections Online

Collections record

discuss document export feedback print share gallery-landscape xml

Te bunna

human history
  • Common Name
    Adornment
  • Other Name

    Neck ornament of human hair (English)

  • Description

    Te bunna. A neck ornament to bestow a blessing and protection on a visitor, te bunna can be also worn as part of dancers' costumes during performances for added spiritual protection. This bunna is made from finely twisted strands of te ira n atu (human hair) of a dark colour and highly textured as a result of the twisting technique.

    At each end of the bunna are plaited cords for fastening the ornament around the neck which are made with te ira n atu and te ba ni kaina (pandanus leaf) which are dark and natural in colour. Towards one end of the bunna there is a segment of off-white commerical thread tied to the strands.

  • Place
    Nonouti/Gilbert Islands/Kiribati
  • Accession Number
    1940.3
  • Accession Date
    1940
  • Other Id

    25173.2 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

Images and documents

Artefact

The development of the Auckland War Memorial Museum online collection is an ongoing process; updates, new images and records are added weekly. In some cases, records have yet to be confirmed by Museum staff, and there could be mistakes or omissions in the information provided.

The gift of curiosity

With unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events, a Museum Membership is the gift that keeps on giving year-round.

SEE OPTIONS FROM $60

The gift of curiosity