Axe Item Number: Ie314 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Axe (t-shaped, mount Hagen type). Flat head (part b) of black stone projects 20 cm. from the handle, curving towards the working edge, tapering towards handle. Blade balanced by projection of wood extending 16 cm. from the handle, 3 cm. wide, flattened oval in cross-section, with narrow raised ridge around circumference 2 cm. from the end. Projection partially coated with grey clay. Handle (part a) of wood is a flattened oval in cross-section, tapered to the end. Components bound together with binding of heavy rattan. Head is loose.
History Of Use
Used in ceremonial context, in festival and ceremonies. Held at shoulder height by men in dances. Traditionally also part of ceremonial exchange objects in nexus eg. As exchange objects in bride-wealth. No longer have this function.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
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
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
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0325/0015 a-b