Description (Labels & Markings)
Label attached to object, now in 2 pieces notes "Earth from New Guinea adhering to the roots of Nipa palm drifted the shore of Mer (Murray Is). Used by the Merians as a paste to make their hair in long ringlets. (col) a.c.h Mer May 18--"
Event Date
Author: maa

Context (Acquisition Details)
Collected by: Dr A.C. Haddon possibly in 1898
Event Date
Author: Rachel Hand

Context (CMS Context)
Moore, D. (1984) The Torres Strait Collections of A.C. Haddon. London: British Museum Press, p. 75, No. 362.
cf Haddon, A.C. (1912) Reports of the Cambridge anthropological expedition to Torres Straits. Vol. 4 : Arts and crafts. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, pp.30-31

Moore's book is based upon research involving an examination of all Haddon material in British and Australian Museums.
Event Date 1984
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Card 1: 'Earth from N.Guinea adhering to the roots of Nipa palm.
Card 2: 'Grey clay adhering to roots of nipa palm.
Event Date 3/11/1994
Author: maa

Context (Acquisition Details)
Card 1: 'Earth from N.Guinea adhering to the roots of Nipa palm - drifted to Mer - used by the Merians as a paste to fix their hair in long ringlets.'
Card 2: 'Grey clay adhering to roots of nipa palm. Washed over from mainland New Guinea.'
Event Date 2
Author: rachel hand