Initiation ornament, worn down the back of the initiate, held in the mouth when fighting. Papua New Guinea , East Sepik Province, Maprik region, Abelam people, mid 20th century.
Woven fiber, boar's tusk, cowrie shells, nassa shells, pigments.
See Ethnic Jewelry and Adornment, Truus Daalder, page 117 for similar ornament.