Asmat Tribe Cassowary Bone Dagger with Stylized Head
Asmat Cassowary Bone Dagger with Stylized Head, shells, Pig Tusks & cassowary feathers: Papua New Guinea c late 1960s-early 1970's measurements from tip of head to bone tip appx. 45cm
ex Private collection (Papua New Guinea)
Gallery/Dealer
No
Dear Sharon,
Thank you for your request. This is an Asmat bone dagger decorated with a stylized head, pig tusks and cassowary feathers. The blade of the dagger is made out of the tight bone of a cassowary. This type of dagger is used and produced by the Asmat tribes in Papua in the east of Indonesia. It served as a status sign. This tribe is famous for its woodcarving tradition. Normally these daggers are decorated with feathers which are mounted in a hanging position. This dagger was made in the second half of the 20th century. An estimation would be between 150 and 400 USD.
This estimation is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
