Dance Axe

ClassificationsArms and Armor-axes

Culture Mendi

Date19th to early 20th Century

Made AtSouthern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWicker, wood and metal

Dimensions23 1/8 × 18 1/2 × 1 3/4 in. (58.7 × 47 × 4.4 cm)

Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase

Object number2009.5.8

DescriptionThis dance axe is a somewhat fragile weapon. It was kept at the shoulder of a warrior and thrown only when there was certainty that an opponent would be hit. The axe was also used in rituals as a display of power and hung on a bark belt to rest at the side of a dancer. Axes such as this one were highly valued ceremonial objects and a favored trade item - a groom would present the relatives of his wife with a number of these axes as part of a bride price.

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