Te mwae te bunna

human history

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 usually bound together with 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 te bunna, being knotted at the back of the neck. For this particular Neck ornament, one end remains unbound while the other is bound with pandanus fibre and has a two-ply rolled pandanus fibre cord for tying.

Nama tāpiringa: 1936.295 Whakahounga o Mua: 12 Jul 2019
Ingoa Kē

Neck ornament of plaited and twisted human hair (English)

Accession Number

1936.295

Rā Tāpiringa

1936

Tohu Tuakiri Kē

22936 (ethnology)

13 (Maude Collection)

Wāhanga

Pacific

Uiuitia Tirohanga API
7 Mātātuhi
Te mwae te bunna; 1936.295; 22936, 13; Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
Tirohia ngā pikitia ( 7)