Miniature Spear Item Number: 3557/13 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Spear sealed inside a plastic bag; bag is secured shut with a paper manufacturer's label stapled over the opening. Spear has a long cylindrical shaft, that tapers towards the base, and a leaf-shaped point; both are made of palm wood. Point has cross guard-like protrusions at the base, and is secured to shaft with plant fibre ties. Black bands decorate length of point. Light blue card inserted into bag, behind spear, with image of person holding two spears; paragraph of text describes materials, decoration, and uses of spears.
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?