Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 2017-0002-0012   CAS 2017-0002-0012; Belt
Category Accessories/Ornaments
Object Name Belt
Culture Micronesian
Global Region Oceania
Country Federated States of Micronesia
State/Prov./Dist. Yap
County
Other Geographic Data Western Caroline Islands
Maker's Name
Date of Manufacture ca. 1945
Collection Name N/A
Materials Clam shell; Coconut shell (?); Sea turtle shell (tortoiseshell); Coconut shell husk
Description Woman’s belt comprising nine side-by-side strands of small white shell disk beads and dark brown coconut shell or turtle shell disk beads, all strung on coconut shell husk fiber cordage; Beads are strung in alternating brown and white blocks of color, separated by long, narrow turtle shell spacer bars, to form geometric patterns; At each end, the fiber cordage is woven loosely together, forming a small triangular area before being combined into three groups which are then braided together to form long end ties; Near the end of each tie, the fibers are tied off, leaving the remaining fibers as fringe; According to original accession entry for similar piece (CAS 0477), this type of belt is worn for prestige and as a display of wealth.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 4.7, Thickness = 0.9, Length = ca. 123.5