RB Fine Arts May Art and Antique Auction

Lot 236:

Solomon Island Kapkap Ornament, Kap Kap Breast Ornament 19-20th Century

The auction will start in __ days and __ hours

Start price: $50

Estimated price: $300 - $500

Buyer's premium: 21%

Solomon Island Kapkap Ornament, Kap Kap Breast Ornament 19-20th Century. Measure 2 3/4" & 3 3/4". One of the most widespread forms of Melanesian jewelry is the kapkap, a disk-shaped ornament typically fashioned from the shell of the giant clam and overlain with a delicate filigree of turtle shell. Kapkap occur, or occurred, across much of the southwest Pacific, from coastal New Guinea eastward to the Santa Cruz Islands. Admiralty Islands artist were among the most prolific kapkap makers. Worn as head ornaments or pendants, kapkap in the Admiralties were primarily male ornaments, although women wore smaller examples in some areas. Most have geometric designs, although some forms incorporate figurative images. Some design elements may have had symbolic meaning, but it is conceivable that many were purely decorative.. This, and many lots forthcoming were found at the massive central Florida estate of a true antiquarian who amassed his magnificent collection over a lifetime spent in global travel. Please carefully read our terms of sale, shipping information, and request any condition reports or photos prior to placing a bid. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. RBFineArts CFL INC. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Please email for a condition report and photos, if desired. Emails should be received at least 48 hours in advance of the date of the auction.