Upper-arm bracelet (Bedamuni: éfé nabu). An upper-arm bracelet worn by initiated boys and men. As well as a decorative function, the éfé nabu also has a practical use: when in the bush without fire, the men can use the bracelet for making a fire. The liana (éfé) is unrolled and pulled to and fro underneath a set of seede sticks (Calophyllum sp; 1982.58i and 1982.58ii). Friction causes dry grass near the sticks to catch fire and within a few minutes a fire may be burning.
armlet (arm ornament)
Collection Information
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