Ceremonial vest with shells

Title
Ceremonial vest with shells
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
West Kalimantan, Borneo
Dimension
Object size: L50 x W43 cm
Accession No.
1997-04585
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng

This vest comes from the Maloh people in West Kalimantan, Borneo. It is decorated with small cowrie shells. Ornaments applied to the garments of the Maloh people include precious heirlooms as well as foreign curiosities such as beads, Dutch coins and brass bells. Maloh garments often depict human figures which represent ancestor spirits.