Description:

Oceania / Southeast Asia, possibly Philippines, ca. late 19th to early 20th century. A remarkable stingray tail whip mounted on a polished wood handle, and the cartilage barb is riveted via brass tacks near the handle end. The skin is characteristically rough with tiny bumps and spikes and besides inflicting pain and allegedly the toxins can still be secreted long after drying - this would be incredibly painful to be on the receiving end of! In the Philippines this type of whip was known as a buntot pagi and were used for fighting in close-quarters combat and to ward off evil. The origin of this particular whip is unknown, but similar ray skin whips have been made by various coastal cultures and sailors. Size: 19" L x 1.5" W x 31" H (48.3 cm x 3.8 cm x 78.7 cm)

Provenance: private Monroe, Connecticut, USA collection, acquired in New Milford, Connecticut; purches in Madison Connecticut in the 1960s.

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#187502

  • Condition: Dried in a curled position and cannot be unfurled to full length, last few inches of the tip is still flexible. Ray skin and barb are intact. Wood handle is intact and excellent.

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July 9, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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