Axe Haft Currency
ClassificationsTools and Equipment-axes
Culture
Massim
Datemid 20th Century
Made AtMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
Collection SiteMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood, rattan and paint
Dimensions35 1/8 × 20 7/8 × 1 1/4 in. (89.2 × 53 × 3.2 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2017.10.85
DescriptionA presentation axe without blade collected from the Woodlark Island in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. The axe originates form the Massim culture and dates back to the mid-20th century. This axe features three ends. The first end, where the blade would have been inserted if present, is wrapped in rattan. The second end is rounded and has an incised half-circle pattern ending in a circle. The third end is slightly rounded with a small protruding rounded piece and consists of an open-work design. There are carved designs throughout the surface of the axe along with faded red pigmentation. Axes were often used for just their practical applications and often favored in war combat. However some axes, such as the one presented here, were used for ritual practice. A dance axe was crafted and given to a young bachelor to use during a dance ritual. These types of axes were then used in bride price exchange.On View
Not on view
early to mid 20th Century
