Timor slingshot?

Bill M · 5th January 2007, 12:03 PM

I really like the carving that "primitive" people put into their weapons and everyday artifacts. Here is a slingsot / catapult purportedly from the Indonesian island of Timor.

I do not know the age, but it is from an old collection and has wonderful patina.

I like the representations of the male (picture #2) and the female (picture #3) on the sides of the handle. Balance of male and female supporting the piece. Symbolism depicting male and female was very important to the animistic / pagan societies. This went far deeper than mere fertility.

Tantra also means overcoming obstacles.

The fascinating lines on the piece are a common motif in Timor, and also the Dayak and Batak peoples. Look like whorls of energy to me. I wonder what they see?

Early, pre-contact pieces from animistic tribes, whether African, Indian, Indonesian or other cultures, were made for a purpose that was not considered merely art by the people who made them. The symbols were there to make the pieces more effective tools, weapons, communications devices with spirits -- even gods. Not decorations.

It is likely that the carver thought that the intricate carving made this piece a more powerful weapon. He certainly spent a lot of time and effort on it.

8 inches (20.32 cm) Tall

5th January 2007, 12:03 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Timor slingshot? I really like the carving that "primitive" people put into their weapons and everyday artifacts. Here is a slingsot / catapult purportedly from the Indonesian island of Timor. I do not know the age, but it is from an old collection and has wonderful patina. I like the representations of the male (picture #2) and the female (picture #3) on the sides of the handle. Balance of male and female supporting the piece. Symbolism depicting male and female was very important to the animistic / pagan societies. This went far deeper than mere fertility. Tantra also means overcoming obstacles. The fascinating lines on the piece are a common motif in Timor, and also the Dayak and Batak peoples. Look like whorls of energy to me. I wonder what they see? Early, pre-contact pieces from animistic tribes, whether African, Indian, Indonesian or other cultures, were made for a purpose that was not considered merely art by the people who made them. The symbols were there to make the pieces more effective tools, weapons, communications devices with spirits -- even gods. Not decorations. It is likely that the carver thought that the intricate carving made this piece a more powerful weapon. He certainly spent a lot of time and effort on it. 8 inches (20.32 cm) Tall Attached Images