Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, probably Abelam, ca. early 20th century CE. A fascinating dagger made from a long cassowary bone fashioned into a weapon. The dagger is capped with a woven textile adorned by tethered tassels of beautiful cassowary feathers extending from it, almost like a headdress. A dagger like this one was made to be used for ritual purposes, likely for initiation ceremonies. The cassowary is one of the most dangerous birds as well as highly symbolic birds in Papua New Guinea, believed by indigenous people to be both male and female and reproduce autonomously. No wonder it was called upon to provide the material for this special dagger. Size: 3.125" W x 12.125" H (7.9 cm x 30.8 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#154748

Cassowary feather tassels suspended from textile bindings with modern thread and have adhesive residue along bound ends for stability. Minor abrasions to dagger body, with staining to areas of textile bindings along top, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.