Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, western Irian Jaya, Asmat people (who are closely related to people from Papua New Guinea), ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A fine, hand-carved wooden spear with a lengthy shaft comprised of a single piece of bamboo. A small hole is drilled into the top of the shaft and holds a detachable wooden finial comprised of seven sharpened barbs and a slender point. Both the attachment point on the shaft and the base of the finial are wrapped in fibrous cords to hold the components together until used. The pointed barbs are meant to anchor themselves within the body of the prey and allow the hunter to safely remove the majority of the spear without compromising their weapon. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 1.3" W x 71.625" H (3.3 cm x 181.9 cm); 73.5" H (186.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#136394

  • Condition: Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use, small nicks and some darkening to shaft and finial, some nicks to finial point, a few stable hairline fissures to shaft, and some loosening to bush string. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label on base.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 12, 2020 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000