Description (CMS Description)
A necklace of sperm whale's teeth (23 teeth), strung on sinnet cord. The teeth are extraordinarily long and taper to a point. The underside of the teeth is stained a reddish-pink.
Event Date 1/9/1997
Author: maa

Context (CMS Context)
Labels & inscriptions: 'Z 29770' inscribed in black ink on one of the end tusks.
Event Date 29/1/2013
Author: Lucie Carreau

Context (CMS Context)
Catalogue card reads [handwritten in blue pen:] 'Z 29770 MELANESIA FIJI. A necklace of sperm whale's teeth (23 teeth) strung on sinnet cord. The teeth are extraordinarily long tapering to a point. The underside of the teeth is stained a reddish-pink'. A small round red sticker pasted on the card.
Event Date 29/1/2013
Author: Lucie Carreau

Description (CMS Description)
Necklace (waseisei) composed of tusks carved from strips of sperm whale tooth, 23 in total. Each tusk is pierced at the top and strung on a cord formed of three strands of 2-ply twisted hibiscus fibre. An additional length of hibiscus fibre is woven between the top of the tusks forming a cross pattern at the back. One of the tusk is chipped. The front is of a light cream colour while the back is red in colour in the places that would have been in contact with the skin. Could pigments applied to the body have transferred onto the tusks? Part of the vegetable fibre cord are also coloured red.
Event Date 29/1/2013
Author: maa