Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 2017-0002-0014   CAS 2017-0002-0014; 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 Shell: cowrie (Cypraeidae); Metal; Plant fiber
Description Belt composed of cowrie shells strung together on metal attachment chains; Metal chains attached to shells with plant fiber cordage glued into crevice of shell; Shells are clustered in groups of four, connected together at the narrow ends; The wider ends are paired together, creating an X-like pattern; Belt fastener is a two-piece, thin, square metal plate with a small hook extending for clasp closure; Both pieces of fastener have rounded ends with incised lines along edges.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 4.1, Thickness = 1.1, Length = 69.5