19th c. ceremonial club

19th c. ceremonial club

Code: CDE2900

Dimensions:

W: 6cm (2.4")H: 22cm (8.7")

£280.00

A 19th century ceremonial club or hand axe crafted from mottled stone and mounted on a metal stand.  Origin: Papua New Guinea

A prestige item and originally used as a weapon, axes such as this were carried or worn in the belt for ceremonial purposes or adornment on special occasions such as sing-sing and moka exchanges. They were also used as money to buy other commodities like salt, body oil, shells, brides, etc. 

Height: 22cm (26.5cm including stand)