Spear

Item number Ie301 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Spear, nearly round in cross-section, straight unadorned shaft tapering slightly to point. Lanceolate point part of human arm bone is eighteen cm. long to the shaft and hollow for two-thirds of the length. Cut away to leave a flat projection which is bound to the shaft. Mounting covered by a sleeve of woven rattan six cm. wide. Point and sleeve are coloured with red ochre.

History Of Use

Traditionally used in warfare. With modern restriction on warfare, it is used for ceremonial dances, held in man's hand with other weapons. Bone would be from a relative. Spear would thus hit the enemy because of help from dead relative, an ally. Red ochre is magical, said to attract shells and valuables.