Spear

MOA: University of British Columbia

2948/172

Bamboo and wood spear. The head is a long, thin section of bamboo, concave, dyed red on one side, ending in a sharp point. It is connected to narrow wooden shaft which has been dyed and narrowed slightly towards the join, which is inserted into a thicker bamboo shaft. Both joins are bound with rattan and beeswax. A number of thin lines have been scratched around the shaft at the butt. The bamboo’s nodules have been shaved smooth.


  • Type of Item spear
  • Culture Asmat
  • Material bamboo grass, wood, plant fibre, resin, bee wax, ochre pigment
  • Measurements height 120.5 cm, width 1.7 cm, depth 1.2 cm (overall)

  • 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 good
  • Accession Number 2948/0172