This beaded tassel from the collection is a component of a Ga’dang ear ornament. The Ga’dang are renowned for their use of beads to embellish their textiles and bodies, adorning everything from headdresses to lower garments, as well as their heads, necks, and arms. Seed or glass beads are used, sometimes even incorporating metal charms such as silver, brass, or gold. The beads come in varying sizes, shapes, and colors, and are arranged in such a way that balance and symmetry are observed.