Stunning Fine Vintage Abelam Dagger, Papua Guinea, PNG
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:36243 | Original/Reproduction: Original |
| Originating Region: Papua New Guinea | Provenance: Abelam |
| Era: 1900s | Product Type: Carvings |
Stunningold Dagger with ancestral clan etchings from the Abelam.Although daggers were used in displays of warfare, they were also found to haveritual purposes and often used in initiations. The piece has a deep glossypatina throughout from generations of use and handling. It is of superb museum quality.The estimated age of the piece is between 1950’s to 1960’s.This is a stunningcollectors piece. Warriorsin the Sepik region formerly employed a variety of weapons. Most, such asspears..., were intended to strike the enemy from a distance, but men also carrieddaggers for use in close combat. With blunt edges and sharp tips, daggers wereexclusively stabbing weapons, often used to kill an enemy incapacitated byspears or arrows or, at times, in more stealthy acts of assassination. Manydaggers were supernaturally powerful objects that played important roles inmale initiation and other ceremonies. Daggers and dagger-like objects were wornas personal ornaments, and many ornate examples with blunt tips may have beenceremonial objects. Daggers were fashioned primarily from the leg bones of cassowaries(large ostrich-like birds) but also, in rare instances, from the femurs ofancestors or enemies.H– 35cmW– 5cmD– 5cmPrepost weight – 0.150kg**Postage rates vary from state to state so please place your postal code intothe rates table to see Australia post charges to your area. Where possible I amhappy to combine postage if I can make it cheaper for you. This is not alwayspossible given the sizes and unique packing requirements for each unique piece.Can also insure package if required.**- STANDS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH ANY ITEM –- Pictures make up part of the description –
