Cassowary Bone Dagger, Incised

Cassowary bone dagger, incised.In his Diary, page 162 (lot 108 box F1), Ledoux explains: "Cassowary bone daggers used in war to kill children being poked through the eyes or shoulder blade, or if your spear is broken used on men, holding the man first. It is worn in the mal [loin cloth]." In Ledoux’s various writings, he mentions the daggers often.Locale: Lower Sepik RiverCountry: Papua New GuineaDate: 1936 or earlierMaterial: Cassowary bone

Cassowary bone dagger, incised.

In his Diary, page 162 (lot 108 box F1), Ledoux explains: "Cassowary bone daggers used in war to kill children being poked through the eyes or shoulder blade, or if your spear is broken used on men, holding the man first. It is worn in the mal [loin cloth]." In Ledoux’s various writings, he mentions the daggers often.

Locale: Lower Sepik River
Country: Papua New Guinea
Date: 1936 or earlier
Material: Cassowary bone
Dimensions: L14"

Provenance: Louis Pierre Ledoux Collection

Similar item:
Christie's 2017
https://www.artkhade.com/en/object/9W5G1AS0/a-dagger-papua-new-guinea