Spear Item Number: Ih205 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Dark brown wood spear, round in cross-section, with the shaft tapered to the butt. Large elongated pyramidal point is square in cross-section with the wood perforated near the joint with three holes in the shape of flattened ellipses 4 cm. long. Point is joined to the shaft with an end-lap joint, heavily bound, encrusted with dirt, and broken in several places. Several bands of plant fibre are 33.5-55 cm. from the point end. Broken 75 cm. from the butt end and bound with cotton cord.
History Of Use
Spears were used as weapons in warfare, which traditionally occupied an important place in Fijian culture. Spears were also used in ritual dancing.
Cultural Context
warfare; ceremonial
Narrative
Said to have been purchased by Mr. Bond from A.M. Brodziak, Ltd, in Fiji.
Item History
- Made in Fiji during 1911
- Collected during 1911
- Owned by Ignatius Nicholas Bond
- Owned by Constance Margaret Winter before May 12, 1976
- Received from Constance Margaret Winter (Donor) on May 12, 1976
What
- Name
- Spear
- Identification Number
- Ih205
- Type of Item
- spear
- Material
- wood, cotton fibre and plant fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- adzed, smoothed, braided and bored
- Overall
- height 364.7 cm, diameter 4.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Fijian
- Previous Owner
- Ignatius Nicholas Bond and Constance Margaret Winter
- Received from
- Constance Margaret Winter (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Fiji
When
- Creation Date
- during 1911
- Collection Date
- during 1911
- Ownership Date
- before May 12, 1976
- Acquisition Date
- on May 12, 1976
Other
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0305/0001