Bow Item Number: Ie303 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A very long plain dark bow without string. The bow has a flattened oval appearance with one flat side in cross section (one side flat, one side convex.), tapering from the centre to the ends. There is a raised ridge around the bow at both ends. One end has a cassowary claw, which is now broken. The opposite has two woven sleeves, probably rattan, each 1 cm. wide. The flat side of the bow is coated with thick resinous substance, now flaking off.
History Of Use
Related to masculinity and warfare contexts. Bow used in warfare and hunting : also cassowary claw enables it to be used as a spear in close combat. May be carried with arrows in ritual dancing. With arrows, symbolized Kewa male.
Cultural Context
Warfare; ceremonial; hunting.
Item History
- Made in Iapi, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea before 1972
- Collected by John Leroy between 1970 and 1972
- Owned by John Leroy before June 1976
- Received from John Leroy (Seller) and Unknown (Funding source) during June 1976
What
- Name
- Bow
- Identification Number
- Ie303
- Type of Item
- bow
- Material
- black palm wood, rattan ? and pandanus leaf ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and woven
- Overall
- height 168.5 cm, width 3.2 cm, depth 2.1 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kewa
- Field Collector
- John Leroy
- Previous Owner
- John Leroy
- Received from
- John Leroy (Seller) and Unknown (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Iapi, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea
When
- Creation Date
- before 1972
- Collection Date
- between 1970 and 1972
- Ownership Date
- before June 1976
- Acquisition Date
- during June 1976
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0325/0004