Solomon Islands Turtle Shell Necklace – KapKap

The traditional "Kapkap" is made and used by men as a personal body adornment to either the head or chest in the Santa Cruz region of the Solomon Islands.

It is created from making of a thin round disc cut from a tridacna shell, which is rubbed down to a smooth surface.  A turtle shell is then skilfully carved to a traditional abstract design and secured on top of the white disc to create the very attractive "Kapkap".

The turtle shell design on this Kapkap displays a geometric design which incudes two Hornbill birds and two smiling faces in the inner circle. The Hornbill bird represents strength and wisdom while the smiling faces with large ears are commonly used in the artwork from this region. The outer circle is a  intricate and skilful, traditional geometric design, with the outside edge reflecting the fluted edge of the Tridacna shell  . The Kapkaps are only worn by men and vary in size. The larger the Kapkap is a sign that the man has a higher social status. The Chiefs wear the largest adornments.

Diameter; 7.5 in / 12 cm