Spear

ClassificationsArms and Armor-spears

Datemid 19th - early 20th Century

Made AtPapua New Guinea

Collection SiteSydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australia

MediumWood, bone, fiber and pigment

Dimensions77 × 1 × 1 in. (195.6 × 2.5 × 2.5 cm)

Credit LineThe George Stanley Lodin Collection

Object number2015.17.16

DescriptionThis piece’s design and shape are typical of spears from Bougainville Island. Used offensively, the barbs at the top of this spear make it a highly effective weapon. The anthropomorphic carving set between the two sections of fiber bindings is a depiction of a spirit. This spirit, kagoi, is credited as the source for the spear’s power. This spear is shorter than it should be as it was cut prior to being shipped from Australia to the United States. Bougainville spears are usually between 8 and 10 feet in length.

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