Dublin Core
Title
breast.ornament
Identifier
Description
Breast Plates. These two objects, each known as a civa vono vono in Fiji, was worn on ceremonial occasions as a sign of rank. No 3 is made of trochus shell, sperm whale tooth and cotton. Cotton was not grown in Fiji and would have been imported from abroad. No 4, is displayed from the back to show how it has been made with sections of sperm whale tooth sewn together with thread made from hibiscus bark.
Creator
Macgregor, William Sir
Date
Early: 1800 Late: 1888
Contributor
Macgregor, William Sir
Relation
ivory whale.tooth vegetable.fibre
Format
L: 219 mm W: 260 mm
Coverage
Melanesia Fiji
Abstract
William Macgregor (1846-1919) served the British Colonial Office for 14 years in Fiji (1875-1888), primarily as Chief Medical Officer, but also holding offices such as Receiver-General, Colonial Secretary, Commissioner of Stamps and Acting Administrator.