Oceanic Artifact Listing: PRT32

Cassawary Bone Daggers and Lime Stick
Sepic River

The thigh bone of the Cassowary, a large, ostrich-like bird, is the most common bone made into daggers. (At times daggers are also made from the human bones of slain enemies or deceased ancestors).
Most Cassowary bone daggers are 12 - 18 inches long. This fine example from the Abelam culture of the East Sepik has totemic clan motifs deeply carved onto its surface and a handsome, glossy brown patina from many years of use.

Although metal knives have replaced bone utensils for everyday needs, bone knives and daggers are still made.They are used daily for hunting, ceremonies and of course, fighting. Limesticks are used for mixing lime preparations.

Length:
Three Knives - 14,4, 14.8, and 15.2 inches respectively
Lime Stick - 14.4 inches

Circa: 1950 - 70

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