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Bark belt
Western Highlands
20th century, 1950–2000
Object Place: Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Medium/Technique
Bark, pigment
Dimensions
Overall: 14 x 27.5 cm (as coiled) (5 1/2 x 10 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession Number2009.2752
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsContemporary Art, Africa and Oceania, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
Rarely 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)