Old Asmat Headhunter Dagger. Cassowary Bird bone. Tribal. Arrow tip. Papua New Guinea
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Typical of the tribal thigh bone daggers used in ceremonial and ritualistic events. These are made from the thigh bone of a Cassowary, a large flightless bird. The head – or joint – is decorated with coix beads and cassowary feathers bundles. This is an older dagger – covered in a woven hood – from the Arapesh peoples of East Sepik.
A dagger without the “dressing (beads and feathers)” was used by Asmat headhunters for hand-to-hand combat or . . . for game hunters to carve up the victim. They were most often tucked inside woven belts or armbands.
Acquired from a private collection.
This item is no longer available.