Spear thrower "mino" · Papua New Guinea - Middle Sepik, Iatmul · ID: 3043405
not available anymore
Provenance
Lempertz, Brussels, 25 April 2009, lot 16Peter Grossmann, Berlin, Germany
Size
L: 100 cm
L: 39.4 inch
Description
wood, pigment, plant fibre, guide with rich ornamental decor in the middle, slightly dam., abrasion of paint.
Spear throwers of the “mino” type are purely representational, they are not conceptualized for practical usage. They were employed in initiation ceremonies where they were part of the splendid outfit of the initates for the various rituals which concluded the period of initiation.
Comparing literature
Friede, John & Marcia, New Guinea Art, Vol. 2, San Francisco 2005, ill. 217 f.