Oceanic Artifact Listing: PRT29

Arapes spear thrower
With elaborately decorated totemic clan motifs on the thumb guide
Heavy patina indicating age and use

Length: 24.8 inches
Weight: 2.24 pounds

Circa: Pre-1940 Provenance: PNG Sourced

SOLD

Spear throwers are still made and used everyday in New Guinea. A spear is fitted into the hollow shaft of the spearthrower and the thumb guide holds the spear in place until it is thrown. The thrower acts like an extension of the man's arm when he throws, hurtling the spear for a greater distance and with much more force. There are two ways to use the thrower; vertically is the easist way to throw the spear. You place the spear into the socket and use the thumb guide to hold it with the spear resting against the guide. It is more difficult to use the thrower in a horizontal position, but the resulting throw propels the missle with greater accuracy and force when expertly used.