Bone Dagger
Kwoma, Washkuk Hills, upper Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea
19th-Early 20th century
Provenance: Old American collection
This is a wonderfully detailed example of a dagger made from bone. It clearly shows signs of use during war runs. Towards the top, classic renditions of Kwoma faces have been carved in relief; they are boarded by various geometric clan designs. At the top, two cowrie shells are adhered within the cavity of the bone’s joint. 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. A very similar example can be found published in John Friede’s “Masterpieces from The Jolika Collection”, fig. 331. Friede also notes, “Among the Kwoma, the daggers were usually made of human bone and a man inherited the femurs of his father after the corpse was reduced to a skeleton.
Bone Dagger
Kwoma, Washkuk Hills, upper Sepik River region, Papua New Guinea
19th-Early 20th century
Provenance: Old American collection
This is a wonderfully detailed example of a dagger made from bone. It clearly shows signs of use during war runs. Towards the top, classic renditions of Kwoma faces have been carved in relief; they are boarded by various geometric clan designs. At the top, two cowrie shells are adhered within the cavity of the bone’s joint. 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. A very similar example can be found published in John Friede’s “Masterpieces from The Jolika Collection”, fig. 331. Friede also notes, “Among the Kwoma, the daggers were usually made of human bone and a man inherited the femurs of his father after the corpse was reduced to a skeleton.