arrow (hunting, fishing & trapping)

Arrow (Bedamuni: taadi). An arrow from a set comprising a bow and seven arrows (agi taadi). Sets like these are used by boys aged from 5 to 11 years to try to shoot birds, lizards, grasshoppers, and small marsupials. However, it is mainly regarded as training equipment without much practical effectiveness.

The arrow is made of a piece of sago palm leaf midrib (agi), slightly thicker at the tip, and set with the dorsal vertebra of a kind of python common in the area (sania).

This set was used by Sagai, and made by his father Kakanabia.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
1982.4iii
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 526 mm x 19 mm x 12 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
sago palm leaf; python bone
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
World Gallery > Oceania > Bedamuni
SHAREABLE LINK

Continue exploring anthropology

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The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive.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.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk