Ceremonial spear thrower "mino" ·  Papua New Guinea, Iatmul · ID: 3037087

Description

wood, black, red and white pigment, flat form, large triangular projection in the middle, curvilinear ornaments, abrasion of paint, rep. (tip of the triangular projection), metal base;
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