Sumpitan spear point?

[Sajen]

Hello members,

by my last trip to Indonesia I come across this spear point from brass. The owner told me that this is a Sumpitan spear point. Since I never have seen something like this I want to ask you if this is a real thing and also want to share it with you. The spear point was in my humble opinion old. It wasn't for sale so I have only the pictures and no dimensions but the size could be correct.

Regards,

Detlef

[VVV]

Neither have I.
How are you supposed to fasten it to the blowgun?
I have seen some elaborated dayak spear points but I can't see any reason for having it on a sumpitan?

Michael

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by VVV

Neither have I.
How are you supposed to fasten it to the blowgun?
I have seen some elaborated dayak spear points but I can't see any reason for having it on a sumpitan?

Michael

Hi Michael,

when you look to the last picture you can see a denting in the back of human figure so I think that it would be possible to fasten it to a blowgun.
Your other question is the same what I thought when I see it. And I never seen a spear point for Sumpitans from brass. The figure seems in my eyes typical dayak style, isn't it? Maybe a ceremonial piece? I just have no answers, that was the reason why I post it.

Regards,

Detlef

[Indianajones]

Hi Detlef, it could also be -perhaps more sensable- for a spear. Sumpitans where not used as ceremonial weapons (as far as I know). Spears were on the other hand used in killing/sacrificing pigs (from a distance) at ceremonies.
If it is a real good old authentic item (pls dont be offended) it IS quite an interesting object! I always find it really dificult to judge brass items on authenticity, even when holding it in my hand, let alone from a computerscreen!
Perhaps others have seen other examples in their collection or in books; I think I remember seing a similar (???) example in 'the Eloquent Death' book but dont have it at hand.
Best, Wouter

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Indianajones

Hi Detlef, it could also be -perhaps more sensable- for a spear. Sumpitans where not used as ceremonial weapons (as far as I know). Spears were on the other hand used in killing/sacrificing pigs (from a distance) at ceremonies.
If it is a real good old authentic item (pls dont be offended) it IS quite an interesting object! I always find it really dificult to judge brass items on authenticity, even when holding it in my hand, let alone from a computerscreen!
Perhaps others have seen other examples in their collection or in books; I think I remember seing a similar (???) example in 'the Eloquent Death' book but dont have it at hand.
Best, Wouter

Hi Wouter,

it's the same to me, by brass items I am very unsure about the age but in this special case I am nearly sure that it is an old item. Don't worry, i am not offended. Since I have never seen something like this I share the pictures with you all with the hope that someone will be able to tell more about this item.

Regards,

Detlef

[VVV]

Here is a reference illustration from Tropen of a spear that Müller collected in the late 1800's (third from left).
But I am a bit skeptical about the one you posted too...

Michael