TWO TRIBAL CEREMONIAL BODY BELT ITEMS, INDONESIAN ASMAT PEOPLES, AND WEST AFRICA, 1970s, the Asmat tribe's rectangular strap form belt centering woven hemp and raffia "X" form banding suspending raffia loops and black Cassowary bird feathers of pale silvery blue, enclosed by double seed trim ending in a loop and cord fastener, length: 42"; together with an African tribal cowrie shell mounted animal hide and tin bells collar, with an adjustable strap tie collar suspending a rectangular hide panel trimmed in conforming cowrie shell decoration ending in a double strap oval hide panel hung with two elliptical form tin bells, length: 13 1/2". Note: The black feathers come from the Cassowary bird, which is flightless and much like the Ostrich or Emu. Its habitat is in the tropical forests of New Guinea, Indonesia, surrounding islands, and north east Australia. Provenance: The Selden's visited various Pacific island nations and their tribal inhabitants where they acquired and even traded for many items. This Asmat belt was traded by Mrs. Selden for a bandana during a trip that included various Indonesian islands, in 1973.

Each in good condition, the woven belt has some normal feather loss, the tin bells on the hide collar/necklace have light surface rust. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."