Walking Stick

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-walking sticks & canes

Culture Massim

Datelate 19th to early 20th Century

Made AtMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWood and lime powder

Dimensions43 3/16 × 2 11/16 × 1 1/8 in., 19.2 oz. (109.7 × 6.8 × 2.9 cm, 0.544 kg.)
In Mount: 44 1/8 × 2 11/16 × 1 1/8 in. (112.1 × 6.8 × 2.9 cm)

Credit LineDr. James Block Pick and Dr. Rosalyn M Laudati Fund Purchase

Object number2008.4.1

DescriptionThis walking stick carved with two curved back-to-back figures conveys the prestige of its owner. Walking sticks were used both for the utilitarian purpose of being a walking aid and as symbols of status by the elders of the community. It has been noted that these objects themselves contain powers strong enough to be very dangerous even causing death.

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