Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, possibly Maprik / Wosera area, Abelam and Arapesh peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A set of two ceremonial daggers of tall, tapered forms carved from the thigh bones of huge cassowary birds. The first example features a dark brown surface color and displays a series of abstract ovoid motifs across the front. The taller dagger boasts vibrant pigment in shades of red, yellow, brown, and blue that accentuate the incised curvilinear striations decorating the body and the bulbous handle end. Daggers like these were traditionally worn on the upper arm, secured via a woven band, and occasionally around the neck. As a tool, bone daggers would have been used for hunting, combat, ceremonial sacrifices, digging, and/or dancing decorations. Size of largest (w/ pigment): 1.8" W x 14.2" H (4.6 cm x 36.1 cm); 13.8" H (35.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985

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#147620

  • Condition: Small chip to top of taller dagger along obverse, with expected ossification to both daggers, and fading to original pigment, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout and great remains of pigment to taller dagger.

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September 24, 2020 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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