TOP!! Bone dagger of the cassowary bird, Asmat, PNG, ca 1800!!

Very old dagger, made of cassowary bone. This object had multiple uses. It could be used as a stabbing weapon. Prisoners were then beaten with a club and then stabbed into the neck. The number of carvings on the cassowary refers to the number of opponents killed. These types of kill carvings were also applied to shields and talisman statues. The dagger was often stuck in the head of hair as a hair pin and was sometimes used to paint themselves with lines or patterns with the enemy's blood. But it could also be used to crush fried brains. It was also used in wedding rituals. Then it went from the warrior to the bride to be used as a status symbol as a hairpin. In that case, shell rings were attached. This is a very beautiful specimen, which is exceptional, especially due to its age! I had him make a custom-made stand for it, which is of course included. Strong provenance too!! Good used condition!

Length: 27 cm, including stand 31.5 cm
Weight: 169 grams
Origin: Maprik Hills, Papua New Guinea
Dating: ca 1800!!
Provenance: ex Alain Guisson