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 page 117 of Ethnic Jewelry and Adornment Truus Daalder for similar ornament.