Strange spears from New Hebrides

[colin henshaw]

Here are images of two unusual and bizarre wooden spears (with some damages) I acquired a little while ago. They are apparently from New Hebrides (Vanuatu) and seem to be quite rare.

There is an illustration of one in the Oldman 1906 sale catalogue, described as a "Festival Spear" from Espiritu Santo and the points made from human bone. Has anyone more information of these items or comparable examples ? Maybe they were a way a warrior could display his success in combat, or perhaps the points would be poisoned and serve to intimidate opponents ??

Anyway, they are unusual spears and should be of interest to those who like primitive weapons from the Pacific...