Traditional Mother of Pearl Belt Ornament

When mounted onto the belt, the mother of pearl shell also known as the tikam or fikam is called a cabibi. The magnificent shells with intricate scrimshaw designs were worn by headhunters and noblemen. Scrimshaw is the name given to the drawing or design made by whalers on the bones or teeth (by products) of whales. Taking the form of elaborate pictures and lettering on the surface and then highlighted by using pigment from black candle, tobacco juice or soot.