axe (general & multipurpose)

Polished stone axe head, shaped for insertion into wooden haft.

Polished stones are more likely to be used in ceremonies or exchange. If this example is compared with a ‘dressed’ stone from the same location the decorating can make all the difference. The Barbier-Mueller collection has one where orchid string is wrapped around the girth of the stone several times and straw woven pendants hang down adorned with cowrie shells. This is described as an object involved in bride price See P Peltier and F Morin Ombres de Nouvelle Guinée: arts de la grande Île dans les collections Barbier-Mueller Somogy editions d’art, Paris 2006 p 245

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
1974.55
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 230 mm x 85 mm x 38 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
stone
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
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Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

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