Ceremonial spear

Description

wood (sago palm), metal blade and end piece, fine plant fibre cord, shaft elaborately coated with bunches of goats hair dyed in red and black, small traces of corrosion;
such spears belong to the group of ceremonial insignia which underline the warrior’s status and can be displayed by anyone who has complied with the pertaining social requirements, such as taking a head, burning an enemy’s village or simply having acquired the right to adorn oneself from the elders.