Arrow Item Number: Ie308 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

An arrow shaft, 86.5 cm. long, made of a variety of pitpit (sword grass). The shaft is red-brown with black coating. The fore-shaft of the black palm wood is 13 cm. long between the bindings. At the joint, with the shaft, there is a sleeve of woven rattan 1 cm. wide. The foreshaft is bound to the point coated with grey clay. The long bone point protrudes 14 cm. beyond the binding.

History Of Use

Used in hunting and warfare, also carried in ritual dancing. Bow and arrow may symbolize metaphorically the Kewa male, especially the aggressive/war aspects as opposed to reciprocity aspects.

Cultural Context

hunting; warfare; ceremonial