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Axe Head, early to mid 20th Century probably Massim Culture; Milne Bay Province, Papua New Gui…
Axe Head Currency
Axe Head, early to mid 20th Century probably Massim Culture; Milne Bay Province, Papua New Gui…
Axe Head, early to mid 20th Century probably Massim Culture; Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia Stone; 4 1/4 × 2 3/8 × 3/8 in. 2018.13.41 Gift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Axe Head Currency

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-axes-axe heads
Culture Massim
Dateearly to mid 20th Century
Made AtMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumStone
Dimensions4 1/4 × 2 3/8 × 3/8 in. (10.8 × 6 × 1 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2018.13.41
DescriptionMassim presentation axe blades, used in trade and exchange, are extremely valuable. The ends of the blade are deliberately chipped to symbolize their mourning for the death of a deceased person. They are kept attached to carved wooden presentation axes and can be used as barter and trade items within the larger kula trade ring. The greenstone used to create the blades is quarried on Woodlark Island. From there, the unfinished blades travel to other locations for polishing.
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