A study of a traditional Nassarius shell bead headband from the Mek culture, highlands of Western New Guinea: Ethnographic and archaeological perspectives
Mouclier, P.; Schiefenhövel, W.; Vanhaeren, M. (2025). A study of a traditional Nassarius shell bead headband from the Mek culture, highlands of Western New Guinea: Ethnographic and archaeological perspectives. Ethnoarchaeology Online first: 1-38. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19442890.2025.2523635
In: Ethnoarchaeology. Journal of Archaeological, Ethnographic and Experimental Studies. Taylor & Francis: London. ISSN 1944-2890; e-ISSN 1944-2904, meer
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| Auteurs | | Top |
- Mouclier, P.
- Schiefenhövel, W.
- Vanhaeren, M.
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| Abstract |
This study examines an ethnographic personal ornament from New Guinea by applying archaeological methods to create a typology and reference collection for archaeological and ethnographic Nassarius shell beads. The methods employed include morphometry, traceology, and experimental replication of Nassarius shell beads. Replication involved removing the shell’s body whorl on the dorsal surface for flattening and perforating the columellar callus on the ventral surface. This research provides a better understanding of the techniques used to modify these shells, the formulation of hypotheses concerning taxonomy and geographical origin of the shells, and identification of group differences in techniques. Despite a probable long period of use, only a few, inconclusive use-wear traces could be detected. This could be explained as the effect of the beads having been immobilized by firm attachment within a band of fiber strings. This study also sheds light on the sociocultural function of an important body ornament. |
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