Miniature Hammer Item Number: 3557/6 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Sago hammer sealed inside a plastic bag; bag is secured shut with a paper manufacturer's label stapled over the opening. Hammer consists of a bamboo head with a wood handle, lashed together with rattan fibre. Top of wood handle is split in half and bamboo head is inserted into it. A twisted rattan cord is wrapped around the tip of the head and base of the handle, giving hammer a triangular shape. Orange card inserted into bag, behind hammer, with image of person using it; paragraph of text describe materials, and how the hammer is made.
Purchased by the donor in 1974-1975, possibly from the Wire Trade store, located on the Catholic Mission in Wewak. The items were made by the Au people of West Sepik province (Sandaun), possibly in Aitape?