Sparring club of black mahogany-like wood, incised linear patterns; sword-shaped with truncated tip. 47.8 cm long, 10 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:
Trobriand Islands, Milne Bay Province, Papua Region