Three old barbed spears · Solomon Islands - Bougainville · ID: 3052148
Sold
EUR 280
Provenance
Henry Erfeling (1901-1990), Lübeck, Germany (coll. in situ, 1930-34)Family-owned since then
Size
L: 200 cm & 221 cm
L: 78.7 inch & 87.0 inch
Description
Nippa palm wood, flying fox bone, orchid fiber,
Two figures, known as “kägoi”, are carved in flat relief on each shaft. Two of the spears also feature a bulbous pommel called “uiru”.
“Kägoi” embodies the spirit of the spear, which gives the weapon its deadly power; the spherical pommel “uiru” represents the “dwelling place” of the spirit (according to Conru, 2008, p. 131).
The object Three old barbed spears with the object ID 3052148 was part of the auction Auction 105 on November 15, 2025. The object with the lot number 148 achieved a sales price of EUR 280 with an asking price of EUR 250.
Comparing literature
Conru, Kevin, Solomon Islands Art, Milan 2008, p. 130 f.