19th C. Admiralty Islands Obsidian Knife

Oceania, Polynesia, Admiralty Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A rare obsidian-bladed knife with a Paranarium Nut resin handle colored with earthy red, charcoal, and lime pigment. The knapped blade bulges outward on one face and has extremely sharp edges, and the resinous handle wraps around one end and has a soft texture that makes it easy to grip. Motifs of incised triangles adorn both faces of the handle. Size: 11.125" L x 1.875" W (28.3 cm x 4.8 cm)

Provenance: private Nevada, USA collection

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#152212
Condition Report: Minor fissures and nicks to handle and blade, with fading to original pigment on handle, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice traces of original pigment on handle. Old inventory label behind blade.