Papua New Guinea Bone Dagger ?

[drac2k]

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]

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]

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

[drac2k]

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]

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]

I think it's an Itamul dagger but not very old and maybe made for selling purpose. :shrug:
See this interesting thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14380&highlight=asmat+bone+dagger

Regards,
Detlef

[drac2k]

Thanks, Sajen, it was a very informative thread.