Massim "sword club"

[colin henshaw]

Hi

Those on the forum who like Pacific weapons, might be interested to see this recent acquisition, a sword-club from the Massim area of New Guinea.

It shows the typical curvilinear decoration to be found on objects from that region. Perhaps the hilt finial is phallic in inspiration ? I imagine the weapon could be used for both slashing and thrusting blows in combat. Wonder if the "sword-club" concept was completely invented by the natives of New Guinea or inspired by swords carried by early European visitors ?

Comments and information are welcome, also if anyone has comparable examples, do please post them.