Spearhead - Lot 37

Spearhead Big Nambas, Malekula Island, Vanuatu Archipelago (formerly New Hebrides) Wood and coconut fiber H. 45.5 cm Provenance: Ex Michael Hamson collection, California Maurice Leenhardt, in "Arts de l'Océanie" published in 1948 (Collection Arts du Monde, Edition du Chêne) indicated that the Big Nambas northwest of Malekula used "this particular category of spear to inflict punishment on enemies, to punish a breach of the law, to avenge an insult", These spears, measuring over 2 metres in length, were made from a long bamboo rod, with one end decorated, like the one shown here, with two stylized Janus faces representing powerful ancestors. The sharp-edged treatment of the faces is characteristic of the region's style, and here stands out for its sculptural quality. Also noteworthy is the fine coconut fiber weave and the deep, dark patina on the surface of this spear tip. Condition report: Some cracks (lower part of the shaft and on the forehead/temples of both faces) and old breaks. Beautiful patina.