Ceremonial spear-thrower "mino"

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Description

wood, dark brown patina, kaolin, staff-shaped, with flat triangular projections, small recess on one end, characteristic ornaments, slightly dam., paint rubbed off;
the “mino” is a ceremonial spear-thrower that is purely representational. The exaggerated central guide does not allow a functional use. It is carried by the splendidly attired, newly initiated young men at the close of the initiation ceremony.

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Comparing literature

Suzanne Greub, Kunst am Sepik, Basel 1985, ill. 82 Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 230, ill. 243

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