Axe

Item number Ie314 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

Data
Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

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.