Southeast Asia: an old crossbow stemming from a mountain tribe in Southeast Asia.
The crossbow is a beloved hunting weapon for many tribes in Southeast Asia, from northern Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia to northern Vietnam and southern China. As it is for the Hmong, the Karen, Lisu and many others. In principle, it is used always in the same shape and form and varies only in small, stylistic details. The present crossbow is made of hard, dark brown wood, and has two parts: the wide bow, with a round/oval cross-section, and the shaft, which has a guiding groove on top for the arrow, a simple trigger mechanism, possibly made of bone (?), and a fine, linear chip-carving decoration together with a layer of black tree resin at the front. The other end of the shaft extends into an elegant, flat section with a centrally pointed tip. Only the string is missing from this crossbow. An old, visibly often used hunting weapon, with good usage patina. No damage! This crossbow likely originates among the Lisu or Karen. Length: 42 cm (the shaft); Width: 91 cm (the bow). First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian Private Collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
09.06.2016 - 17:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 250.-
Southeast Asia: an old crossbow stemming from a mountain tribe in Southeast Asia.
The crossbow is a beloved hunting weapon for many tribes in Southeast Asia, from northern Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia to northern Vietnam and southern China. As it is for the Hmong, the Karen, Lisu and many others. In principle, it is used always in the same shape and form and varies only in small, stylistic details. The present crossbow is made of hard, dark brown wood, and has two parts: the wide bow, with a round/oval cross-section, and the shaft, which has a guiding groove on top for the arrow, a simple trigger mechanism, possibly made of bone (?), and a fine, linear chip-carving decoration together with a layer of black tree resin at the front. The other end of the shaft extends into an elegant, flat section with a centrally pointed tip. Only the string is missing from this crossbow. An old, visibly often used hunting weapon, with good usage patina. No damage! This crossbow likely originates among the Lisu or Karen. Length: 42 cm (the shaft); Width: 91 cm (the bow). First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian Private Collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art - Africa |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 09.06.2016 - 17:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 04.06. - 09.06.2016 |