OLD CASSOWARY BONE DAGGER

Iatmul People, Middle Sepik River

Papua New Guinea

The carving on this dagger is very precise and well-designed. A large flower – probably a water lily – Is at the centre. Radiating out from this central motif are designs that draw on features from the natural environment: water, wind, frog’s eggs, and flora. The back is quite dark and shows age.

Size: 37 cm (length) 5 cm (width)

Weight: 104 grams