Blowgun Item Number: Ib416 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Blowgun of natural dark brown wood. Thin metal lance-olate blade lashed to shaft with four sets of rattan binding, the lowest one of which is wrapped around four times while the middle two are wrapped around twice and the top one is wrapped around multiple times. Muzzle is plugged with pandanus leaves. Shaft widens slightly from muzzle to butt end, where it flares to form mouthpiece. Mouthpiece slightly concave; hole at centre (0.9 cm.) edged with red wax. Pith inside hole with small hole bored through length.
History Of Use
A traditional weapon used for hunting (and warfare?). Unlike most tribes of Borneo, the Punan are not agricultural. Most blowguns have attached blades. They fire small darts which are effective only when poisoned; a typical poison is ipoh, a natural strychnine. Leaves are used to stop the muzzle to keep out insects.
Cultural Context
Dual weapon.
Item History
- Made in Sarawak, Malaysia
- Collected during 1978
- Owned by David G. Adler and Mrs. David G. Adler before March 26, 1981
- Received from David G. Adler (Donor) and Mrs. David G. Adler (Donor) on March 26, 1981
What
Who
- Culture
- Punan
- Previous Owner
- David G. Adler and Mrs. David G. Adler
- Received from
- David G. Adler (Donor) and Mrs. David G. Adler (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sarawak, Malaysia
When
- Collection Date
- during 1978
- Ownership Date
- before March 26, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on March 26, 1981
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0708/0001