Woman’s ceremonial skirt with shells

Collections
1111981
Title
Woman’s ceremonial skirt with shells
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
West Kalimantan, Borneo
Dimension
Object size: L53 x W45 cm
Accession No.
1997-04572
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng

This skirt comes from the Maloh people in West Kalimantan, Borneo. It is decorated with bands of small cowrie shells that form floral and geometric motifs, and brass bells are attached at the hem. Maloh garments often depict human figures which represent ancestor spirits.