Ceremonial spear-thrower "mino" · Papua New Guinea - Middle Sepik · ID: 3033419
not available anymore
Size
L: 118,5 cm
L: 46.7 inch
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.
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