Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, probably Abelam, ca. early 20th century CE. A fascinating object, a "spirit dagger" made from a long cassowary bone fashioned into a weapon. The dagger is capped by a dried mud mask of anthropomorphic form, with cowrie shell eyes, a large, beak-like nose, and cowrie shells arrayed around the forehead like a crown. Feathers extend from the top of the head, creating a headdress. A dagger like this one was made to be used for ritual purposes, especially in initiation ceremonies. The cassowary, believed by indigenous people to be both male and female and reproduce autonomously, is a highly symbolic animal to provide material for this dagger. Size: 3.5" W x 11.55" H (without feathers) (8.9 cm x 29.3 cm); 13.5" H (without feathers) (34.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection; ex-Ron Perry collection; Ron Perry collected art and artifacts for more than 40 years in New Guinea and the South Pacific. He collaborated with Carolyn Leigh to write a book entitled, "Art Dealer in the Last Unknown: Ron Perry & New Guinea Art: the early years 1964-1972" (2011)

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#129976

Cracking on mud face, but piece is intact. Nice remaining feathers. Patina on bone.