Zemanek-Münster

Spear thrower "wawi a kaino"

Papua New Guinea - Sepik
not available anymore
Provenance
Old German Colonial Collection
Paul Heinz Oidtmann, Dortmund, Germany
Size
L: 89 cm
L: 35.0 inch

Description

wood, bamboo, rattan, dark brown patina, split bamboo cane, the guide is carved in shape of a stylized hornbill, plaited rattan cuffs, slightly dam., abrasion of paint;
together with the adze, the spear-thrower is one of mankind’s first technically sophisticated tools, and uses the principles of the lever to enhance the force and accuracy of the thrown spear.


Comparing literature

Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, ill. 244

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