Papua New Guinea Bone Dagger ?

drac2k · 27th November 2019, 09:17 PM

I am not very familiar with these, however, this one is even a little more unusual in the fact that it has a clay mask, feathers, hemp, and cowrie shells. It is concave in the back, so I definitely think it is bone. It is 19" long.
Any comments about the nature or significance(ancestor worship ?), of this item, would be appreciated.

Bob A · 27th November 2019, 11:10 PM

I've never before seen, in person or in a picture, a bone dagger of this description.

Having become somewhat cynical regarding nondescript-seeming rarities, I've tended lately to shy away from such items.

That said, it is an interesting object. I eagerly await those with more experience in this area of endeavor.

corrado26 · 28th November 2019, 08:13 AM

It could be a dagger made of the bone of a kasuar bird like this one of the fotos
corrado26

drac2k · 28th November 2019, 02:00 PM

Your nice example seems more functional, whereas mine seems ceremonial at best.
An interesting note; while searching the internet for more information on this item, a university study determined that the daggers made from human bones were twice as strong as those made from the Cassowary bird.

Bob A · 29th November 2019, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

An interesting note; while searching the internet for more information on this item, a university study determined that the daggers made from human bones were twice as strong as those made from the Cassowary bird.

Bone density - that's why humans can't fly!

Well, one of the reasons.

Sajen · 29th November 2019, 08:00 PM

I think it's an Itamul dagger but not very old and maybe made for selling purpose.

See this interesting thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...at+bone+dagger

Regards,
Detlef

drac2k · 5th December 2019, 03:03 AM

Thanks, Sajen, it was a very informative thread.

27th November 2019, 09:17 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Papua New Guinea Bone Dagger ? I am not very familiar with these, however, this one is even a little more unusual in the fact that it has a clay mask, feathers, hemp, and cowrie shells. It is concave in the back, so I definitely think it is bone. It is 19" long. Any comments about the nature or significance(ancestor worship ?), of this item, would be appreciated. Attached Images

28th November 2019, 08:13 AM	#3
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,204	It could be a dagger made of the bone of a kasuar bird like this one of the fotos corrado26 Attached Images

27th November 2019, 11:10 PM	#2
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 427	I've never before seen, in person or in a picture, a bone dagger of this description. Having become somewhat cynical regarding nondescript-seeming rarities, I've tended lately to shy away from such items. That said, it is an interesting object. I eagerly await those with more experience in this area of endeavor.

28th November 2019, 02:00 PM	#4
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Your nice example seems more functional, whereas mine seems ceremonial at best. An interesting note; while searching the internet for more information on this item, a university study determined that the daggers made from human bones were twice as strong as those made from the Cassowary bird.

29th November 2019, 08:00 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	I think it's an Itamul dagger but not very old and maybe made for selling purpose. See this interesting thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...at+bone+dagger Regards, Detlef

5th December 2019, 03:03 AM	#7
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Thanks, Sajen, it was a very informative thread.