Axe Haft Currency
ClassificationsTools and Equipment-axes
Culture
Massim
Date20th Century
Made AtMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
Collection SiteMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood, fiber and fabric
Dimensions26 1/2 × 15 3/4 × 1 in. (67.3 × 40 × 2.5 cm)
Credit LineCollected on behalf of the Bowers Museum by the Roski-Keller-Martin Expedition
Object number2014.12.30
DescriptionThe purpose of such axe hafts is not a functional one. Rather, together with stone blades, these axes are a prestige item and a form of currency within the Massim area. The overall purpose of the haft of the axe is to display and set off the striking qualities of the blade, which is where the axe’s value lies. This particular haft is not as ornately carved as other examples. It appears as if the top of the haft is missing. This missing portion might have contained more detailed designs and openwork carving.On View
Not on viewCollections
early to mid 20th Century