Minneapolis Institute of Art

Kapkap

Solomon Islands (Santa Cruz Island)

Date

19th century

Medium

Tortoise shell, glass beads, fiber, shell

Department

Arts of Oceania

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Kapkap were worn by the men of the Solomon Islands in battle and are still worn today at festivals, either as pendants or as forehead or belt ornaments. They symbolize personal wealth and status, the size and quality generally indicating one’s social standing. The white disk was ground from the shell of a giant clam. The brown inner disk was carved from boiled tortoiseshell and attached with a beaded string, the beads increasing its value and prestige. Kapkap from the Solomon Islands were traded throughout the region and are still valued today. The design represents a frigate bird, a common symbol of strength throughout the Pacific Islands. Oceania

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