Axe Haft Currency
ClassificationsArms and Armor-axes
Cultureprobably
Massim
Datemid 20th Century
Collection SiteMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
Made AtMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood
Dimensions34 1/4 × 23 1/2 × 3/4 in. (87 × 59.7 × 1.9 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2017.10.102
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 brown wooden ceremonial axe handle features openwork carvings of organic designs. The end where the blade would have been inserted if present is wrapped. 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
