[singlepic id=209 w=450 h=250 float=none]Ear ornament, Saunidaliga
Viti Levu, Fiji. Collected by A. von Hügel, 1875-77. Z 2771 A
Chiefly ornaments
Increased access to sperm whale ivory in the early 19th century resulted in a proliferation of high-status ornaments associated with chiefs. They demonstrate the power of chiefs to obtain highly valued materials and control the production of specialist craftsmen.