Sparring club of black ebony wood (Diospyros species), incised linear patterns filled with white pigment; designs mixed on one side. Sword-shaped with truncated tip. 53.3 cm long, 7.2 cm wide. Used in informal fights, village brawls, arguments over gardens, pigs, women, sorcery, and breaches of etiquette; not used in formal warfare. Sometimes carried in mortuary ceremonies and annual feasts.
Donor:
Bronislaw Malinowski and University Appropriation
Collection place:
Massim region, Papua Region, Papua New Guinea
Culture or time period:
Massim
Collector:
Bronislaw Malinowski
Collection date:
1914-1920
Materials:
Ebony (wood)
Taxon:
Diospyros
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Clubs (weapons)
Function:
1.7 Fighting, Warfare, and Social Control
Accession date:
1965
Department:
Oceania
Loans:
S1975-1976 #9: Palo Alto Cultural Center (November 1974–unknown)