A CROCODILE-HEADED ARROW, KODALU-PARUAG OR KODAL KEP
70
ARTIST UNKNOWN (QUEENSLAND)
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS, 19th century
A CROCODILE-HEADED ARROW, KODALU-PARUAG OR KODAL KEP
natural earth pigments and sennit on carved hardwood
53.0 cm length
Estimate:
$7,000 - 10,000
Provenance
Collection of Dr Joseph Albert Blayney, Chief Medical Officer and RM, Central Division, New Guinea, 1895-1901
Private collection, New South Wales
Catalogue text
The incised arrow, in-filled with white lime, is carved to represent a crocodile. Rows of barbs cut into the solid timber lead to remnants of a bone barb tip. Fine bands of woven sennit fibre are bound at the base of the arrow head. These arrows were used in warfare and ceremonies.