A CROCODILE-HEADED ARROW, KODALU-PARUAG OR KODAL KEP

Important Aboriginal Art
Melbourne
26 March 2014
70

ARTIST UNKNOWN (QUEENSLAND)

TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS, 19th century
A CROCODILE-HEADED ARROW, KODALU-PARUAG OR KODAL KEP

natural earth pigments and sennit on carved hardwood

53.0 cm length

Estimate: 
$7,000 - 10,000
Provenance

Collection of Dr Joseph Albert Blayney, Chief Medical Officer and RM, Central Division, New Guinea, 1895-1901
Private collection, New South Wales

Catalogue text

The incised arrow, in-filled with white lime, is carved to represent a crocodile. Rows of barbs cut into the solid timber lead to remnants of a bone barb tip. Fine bands of woven sennit fibre are bound at the base of the arrow head. These arrows were used in warfare and ceremonies.