Unknown Artist
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
lot details
A CROCODILE-HEADED ARROW, KODALU-PARUAG OR KODAL KEP
natural earth pigments and sennit on carved hardwood
53.0 cm length
Provenance
Collection of Dr Joseph Albert Blayney, Chief Medical Officer and RM, Central Division, New Guinea, 1895-1901
Private collection, New South Wales
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.