Rare, Primitive Shaman’s Cassowary Bird Bone Asmat Warrior Weapon / Dagger, Irian Jaya, Papua, New Guinea
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Primitive and a tribal artifact. If you really looked around you can find thigh bone daggers that have been recently handcrafted. But this one is an older weapon – most likely mid-1900’s or earlier – that was used by a shaman 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. I think that this older dagger is from the Omadesep Village… or nearby.
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.
This is from a private collection in Ohio, the Herbert Reech Collection
In pristine condition. For the Serious Collector. Custom made plexi stand is included. The hollow Cassowary bone slips over the plexiglas rod and adjusted down.
Sorry but this excellent specimen has been sold.