Talipoon Ornament
Boiken, East Sepik River Province,
Papua New Guinea
Early 20th c
Provenance:
Marcia and John Friede collection
Made from woven rattan this talipoon ornament takes the form of a dancing, Bird of Paradise. Originally it would have been attached to a large shell. Talipoon are a form of currency, and are normally associated with Bridal payments. Knowing the original cultural use of this ornament, helps to explain why the weaver chose to create this specific rendition of a bird; it is depicted performing an elaborate mating dance, with its breast feathers extended out from its body, in order to better seduce a female mate, or “bride”.
Photograph: Tim Laman/National Geographic/Alamy
A male western parotia bird of paradise performs a ballerina dance
Talipoon Ornament
Boiken, East Sepik River Province,
Papua New Guinea
Early 20th c
Provenance:
Marcia and John Friede collection
Made from woven rattan this talipoon ornament takes the form of a dancing, Bird of Paradise. Originally it would have been attached to a large shell. Talipoon are a form of currency, and are normally associated with Bridal payments. Knowing the original cultural use of this ornament, helps to explain why the weaver chose to create this specific rendition of a bird; it is depicted performing an elaborate mating dance, with its breast feathers extended out from its body, in order to better seduce a female mate, or “bride”.
Photograph: Tim Laman/National Geographic/Alamy – A male western parotia bird of paradise performs a ballerina dance