Ring

Rings, bracelets, combs and brooches are popular forms of personal adornment made throughout the Pacific region for ceremonial purposes but also commercial markets such as tourism. They are typically made of sea shells and seeds, the pliable turtle shell, coconut shell, coloured glass and plastics.

Significance

This is finger ring is from Tahiti. It is made from plaited plant fibre decorated with a rosette of cowrie shells inset with yellow pupu shells. It is an example of what local artisans were creating for Tahitian tourist markets in the early 21st century.

Acquisition history

The ring was acquired in Tahiti in 2013 by curator and poet Jean T. Chapman-Mason (Cook Islands/English) and donated to Te Papa in 2017.