Louis Ledoux: Papua New Guinea Collection

Cassowary Bone Dagger, Incised

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Start price: $500

Estimated price: $1,000 - $1,500

Buyer's premium: 28%

Sales Tax: On buyer's premium only

Cassowary bone dagger, incised with spear design

In his Diary, page 162 (lot 108 box F1), Ledoux explains: "Cassowary bone daggers used in war to kill children being poked through the eyes or shoulder blade, or if your spear is broken used on men, holding the man first. It is worn in the mal [loin cloth]." In Ledoux’s various writings, he mentions the daggers often.

Locale: Lower Sepik River
Country: Papua New Guinea
Date: 1936 or earlier
Material: Cassowary bone
Dimensions: L 13"
Provenance: Louis Pierre Ledoux Collection

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