Bark belt
Artist unknown, Pacific Islander
Artist Unidentified, Pacific Islander
20th century, 1950–2000
Object PlaceWestern Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Medium/TechniqueBark, pigment
DimensionsOverall: 14 x 27.5 cm (as coiled) (5 1/2 x 10 13/16 in.)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2752
On View
Not on viewClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionRarely collected by non-anthropologists, bark belts are part of the traditional dress of men who live along the Papuan Gulf, as well as those in the Highlands. The pattern on this belt is similar to others from the New Guinea Highlands, particularly those of the Simbu peoples. Shaped when still green, or by heating the bark, the strip is long enough to go round the waist two or three times. Once secured, it often supports a netted apron. Resembling a rigid corset, it is nonetheless said to be easy to wear because of its light weight.
Provenance1967, acquired in Angoram, Sepik, Papua New Guinea by Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)
Artist Unidentified, Pacific Islander
mid to late 20th century
