3363-031
Offered for sale is an impressive 13-inch ancestral cassowary bone dagger from the East Sepik Province region of Papua New Guinea, acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection. Known traditionally as a piercing weapon and ceremonial implement, these functional and sacred carvings were created by the Abelam or Kwanga people from the dense leg bone (tibiotarsus) of the cassowary, utilizing ancestral spirit power to imbue the owner with the strength and fierce nature of the giant bird. This powerful example is hand-carved with intricate tribal motifs, utilizing the bone's natural joint as a handle, and features stylized ancestor spirit faces merging into a sleek, dangerous point.
The dagger was field-collected by Ron Perry, a globally renowned expert and one of the most respected Pacific tribal art authorities of the 20th century. Beginning his expeditions in 1964, Perry spent over 40 years traveling by canoe up remote waterways and trekking unmapped terrains to collect authentic pieces directly from traditional clans. His credibility in the field is unmatched: following Papua New Guinea's independence in 1975, the PNG National Cultural Council appointed him to manage Village Arts, their government-run indigenous artifact center. This is an outstanding display piece with excellent scale, striking relief carvings, and authentic character, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of Oceanic, ethnographic, or tribal art.
Item Details:
Object: Ancestral Cassowary Bone Dagger
Culture: Abelam / Kwanga People
Region: East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Period: Mid to Late 20th Century
Dimensions: 13" L × 2.5" W × 2" D (33 × 6.4 × 5 cm) (Width/depth estimated based on standard bone proportions)
Materials: Cassowary tibiotarsus (leg bone) and natural dark patina
Provenance: Acquired directly from the Ron Perry Arizona Room collection
Condition Note: This piece exhibits authentic, stable aging, beautiful native patination, and minor surface wear consistent with age and/or traditional use. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description.
This is available for local pick-up. Shipping can be available for this item. Please contact us for a custom quote or to make arrangements.
