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).
Comparing literature
Conru, Kevin, Solomon Islands Art, Milan 2008, p. 130 f.