Spearhead
ClassificationsArms and Armor-spears
Datelate 19th Century
Made AtManus Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumObsidian, wood, resin, pigment, twine and shell
Dimensions21 1/2 × 2 3/4 × 1 in. (54.6 × 7 × 2.5 cm)
Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase
Object number2016.2.1
DescriptionObsidian is naturally occurring in the Admiralty Islands, particularly on Lou and Manus Islands. It is mined and traded throughout the region. Obsidian was commonly used as a cutting tool and weapon. This spear features an obsidian blade hafted into a decorated base. The quality of such spears diminished around the start of the 20th Century due to the introduction of Western weapons and materials and the development of a Western tourist market that was particularly focused around weapons.On View
On viewCollections
19th to 20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
20th Century
