Awl Item Number: Ie338 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
An awl of cassowary leg bone, tapering to a point, and grooved near the joint end. The joint is dark brown while the point is light yellow. The surface, except for the joint, is extremely smooth, polished through use.
History Of Use
Used by young women in rituals connected with courtship, as revenge usually against men who have spurned courtship. Awl is planted in ground near path on which young man travels, a spell is said over it, and results (misfortune to him) await.
Cultural Context
ritual
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
- Name
- Awl
- Identification Number
- Ie338
- Type of Item
- awl
- Material
- cassowary bone
- Manufacturing Technique
- split, polished and scraped
- Overall
- height 21.3 cm, width 2.4 cm, depth 2.0 cm
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
- good
- Accession Number
- 0325/0039