Apron

Front section of a dance apron for women. Groups of shell money beads, grey pearl barley seeds and segments of palaquium fruit are sewn in parallel rows on a piece of barkcloth. The pattern is repeated at the bottom edge, but in a considerably more concentrated form. This elaborate and valuable adornment is a sign of the garment's importance as festive clothing. Similar dance loincloths are still made and worn today by women on the Admiralty Islands.