Bow

MOA: University of British Columbia

2948/139 a-b

Wooden bow. The body of the bow (part a) is slightly curved with blunt ends and a bundle of woven fibres fixed to one end. The fibres are woven loosely enough to allow some movement of the bundle along the bow limbs. The bowstring (part b) is misshapen and stiff with fraying of wood fibres along its length, and two woven loops at either end. The loop that is unattached to part a has a long frayed end with many wood fibres hanging loose.


  • Type of Item bow
  • Culture Asmat
  • Material wood, plant fibre
  • Measurements height 163.1 cm, width 2.7 cm, depth 2.7 cm (part a) height 143.5 cm, width 0.9 cm, depth 4.8 cm (part b)

  • Previous Owner Lorne Balshine
  • Received from Lorne Balshine

  • Made in Papua

  • Collection Date during 1980
  • Ownership Date before April 11, 2012
  • Acquisition Date on April 11, 2012

  • Condition fair
  • Accession Number 2948/0139 a-b