Mount Hagen ceremonial axe.

fearn · 26th July 2007, 09:27 PM

Hi Tim,

A brief account that might shed light on the law. David Attenborough wrote a book called Journeys to the Past back in the 1981 about his expeditions to Papua New Guinea as a young film-maker. Some time in the '50's, he visited the Mt. Hagen axe makers, and filmed them for the BBC. When he visited, the community was switching from their traditional stone axes to steel axes for everyday use, and the stone axes were becoming lighter and more decorative. The stone axes had a traditional use as bride-price, so they kept making them, but they no longer had to be functional.

My guess on the age issue then, is one of functionality. If it's heavy, the edge has been retouched, and there are signs of use and/or wear, then it's probably pre-60's. Since they stored axes in the thatch of their huts, if it's heavily smoke stained, it may well be pre-60's. If it's light, clean, and not too sharp, it's more likely to be post '60's, and was made for show rather than work.

My 0.02 cents,

F

26th July 2007, 09:27 PM	#12
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Hi Tim, A brief account that might shed light on the law. David Attenborough wrote a book called Journeys to the Past back in the 1981 about his expeditions to Papua New Guinea as a young film-maker. Some time in the '50's, he visited the Mt. Hagen axe makers, and filmed them for the BBC. When he visited, the community was switching from their traditional stone axes to steel axes for everyday use, and the stone axes were becoming lighter and more decorative. The stone axes had a traditional use as bride-price, so they kept making them, but they no longer had to be functional. My guess on the age issue then, is one of functionality. If it's heavy, the edge has been retouched, and there are signs of use and/or wear, then it's probably pre-60's. Since they stored axes in the thatch of their huts, if it's heavily smoke stained, it may well be pre-60's. If it's light, clean, and not too sharp, it's more likely to be post '60's, and was made for show rather than work. My 0.02 cents, F