Plumes and Pearlshells: Art of the New Guinea Highlands

Spectacular exchange ceremonies involving hundreds of dancers festooned with elaborate body adornments – including highly prized bird of paradise plumes and the revered kina, or pearlshell – is something for which the peoples of the New Guinea highlands are renowned.

Appreciating the sophistication and sheer beauty of these adornments, Stanley Gordon Moriarty assembled one of the finest collections including exquisitely constructed headdresses, arm- and leg-bands, ear- and nose-rings and necklaces, made of feathers, shell, bark cloth, animal and plant fibres and natural pigments.

This book presents highlights from this extraordinary collection, now held by the Gallery, as well as other superb pieces used in rituals, war and daily life such as rare gourd masks, painted shields, carved spears, woven and carved figures, textiles and dance masks.