Bone Dagger
Murik Lakes, Coastal Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea
19th c
Provenance: Field collected in the Murik Lakes region in 1936 by Louis Pierre Ledoux, Lincoln Park New Jersey. By descent to family member.
This is a wonderfully detailed example of a dagger made from cassowary bone. It clearly shows signs of use during war runs. At the top a classic rendition of a lower Sepik mask has been carved in relief; below it, five additional stylized faces cascade down the shaft of the bone. The dagger has a lovely creamy aged patina, and there is still feint evidence of red ochre pigment that originally decorated it. The entire surface has become very worn and smooth from handling and extensive use.
Bone Dagger
Murik Lakes, Coastal Sepik River region,
Papua New Guinea
19th c
Provenance: Field collected in the Murik Lakes region in 1936 by Louis Pierre Ledoux, Lincoln Park New Jersey. By descent to family member.
This is a wonderfully detailed example of a dagger made from cassowary bone. It clearly shows signs of use during war runs. At the top a classic rendition of a lower Sepik mask has been carved in relief; below it, five additional stylized faces cascade down the shaft of the bone. The dagger has a lovely creamy aged patina, and there is still feint evidence of red ochre pigment that originally decorated it. The entire surface has become very worn and smooth from handling and extensive use.