Dance Adze

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-adzes

Culture Yangoru Boiken

Dateearly to mid 20th Century

Collection SiteEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

Made AtEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWood, stone and plant fiber

Dimensions25 × 21 1/4 × 2 3/8 in. (63.5 × 54 × 6 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2017.10.122

DescriptionThis ceremonial dance adze was collected in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. In many Melanesian cultures, adzes were viewed as currency and were commonly used for the purposes of barter and trade. During trade expeditions, adze heads were kept attached or bounded to carved wooden presentation axes. An adze mounted on a ceremonial handle could be valued as an equivalent for a young pig or dog.
In the Yangoru Boiken culture, these adzes were crafted and given to young bachelors to use during dance cereminoes. Adzes were also used in bride price exchange. In some cases, the payment for a bride comprised mostly axes with three or four being ceremonial dance adzes. Bride price adzes were mainly used for the display of the family’s wealth and status and never for the intended practice of cutting.

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