An Asmat, Irian Jaya, Western New Guinea Dog Tooth Necklace (1800 to 2000 Asmat, Irian Jaya, Western New Guinea)

Dog Tooth Necklace and fibre

Dog tooth necklaces are worn not only for personal adornment by the men of the Asmat, but as symbols of power and prestige. Known for centuries to the outside world as ferocious head hunters no European penetrated the jungles and swamps of Irian Jaya until after the 2nd World War. Asmat art then became very popular with European collectors and museums.

An Asmat, Irian Jaya, Western New Guinea Dog Tooth Necklace
Early 20th Century

Size : 66 cm long – 26 ins long