Northwest Malekula Island, Vanuatu
Circa 1850–1900
Wood, sennit wrapping
Length: 14 in (36 cm)
Provenance: American West Coast collection
Figurative spear foreshafts from northwest Malekula were associated with the chiefly authority of the Big Nambas. In full form, these weapons were mounted on long bamboo shafts and fitted with a point of human bone, a material understood locally to carry supernatural efficacy. They were controlled by chiefs and used through professional warriors known as maho, who acted in matters of retribution, warfare, and customary law.
This foreshaft is carved in janus form, with two stylized ancestral faces placed back to back. The angular features and deeply cut surface relate to Big Nambas carving traditions, where the carved foreshaft formed the visually charged element of the weapon. The sennit wrapping remains above the faces, and the dark glossy patina is consistent with age and handling; a custom pedestal base is included.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Northwest Malekula Island, Vanuatu
Circa 1850–1900
Wood, sennit wrapping
Length: 14 in (36 cm)
Provenance: American West Coast collection
Figurative spear foreshafts from northwest Malekula were associated with the chiefly authority of the Big Nambas. In full form, these weapons were mounted on long bamboo shafts and fitted with a point of human bone, a material understood locally to carry supernatural efficacy. They were controlled by chiefs and used through professional warriors known as maho, who acted in matters of retribution, warfare, and customary law.
This foreshaft is carved in janus form, with two stylized ancestral faces placed back to back. The angular features and deeply cut surface relate to Big Nambas carving traditions, where the carved foreshaft formed the visually charged element of the weapon. The sennit wrapping remains above the faces, and the dark glossy patina is consistent with age and handling; a custom pedestal base is included.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
