Spear Item Number: Ih208 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Dark brown wood spear, round in cross-section, with the shaft tapered to the butt. The tip is coiled with binding of flat plant fibre, now partially broken, covering the point to 48 cm. from the tip. In the binding, there are set broken remains of five sets of four bone barbs at 4, 13, 23, 35, 45 cm. from the tip. Thick plant fibre sleeve is 53.7-55.3 cm. from the tip. Carved with figures that have circular eyes and a large diamond-shaped nose with a wood ball below.
History Of Use
Spears were used as weapons in warfare, which traditionally occupied an important place in Fijian culture. Spears were also used in ceremonial 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
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
- 0305/0004