Mixed lot (2 items): New Guinea, Highlands, tribe: Dani: Two so-called ‘finger knives’ to sever the finger bones as a sign of mourning.
Mixed lot (2 items): New Guinea, Highlands, tribe: Dani: Two so-called ‘finger knives’ to sever the finger bones as a sign of mourning.
The Dani of the Baliem valley, in the highlands of New Guinea, once practised the custom that a finger bone was severed from a woman each time a male relative died. This occurred in particular at the death of a husband. For this bizarre mourning ritual, such small stone blades with braided grip element and carrying strap were used. This custom is no longer practised among the Dani.
1: A small ‘finger knife’ with a bevelled, green-black stone blade, set into a small wooden grip by means of black tree resin, the grip braided with vegetal strings. A very old piece with noticeable traces of usage on the wickerwork and blade.
About 1900 to early 20th century; L: 15.5 cm (in total).
2: A larger size ‘finger knife’ with black, bevelled stone blade and braided wooden hilt. Although this ‘finger knife’ is indeed still produced in the traditional manner and form, it displays distinctly fewer traces of usage than the smaller object. Whether this item was ever used in the cruel mourning ritual of the Dani is questionable.
20th century; L: 24 cm (total). (ME)
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
26.05.2015 - 15:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 375.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 600.- to EUR 800.-
Mixed lot (2 items): New Guinea, Highlands, tribe: Dani: Two so-called ‘finger knives’ to sever the finger bones as a sign of mourning.
The Dani of the Baliem valley, in the highlands of New Guinea, once practised the custom that a finger bone was severed from a woman each time a male relative died. This occurred in particular at the death of a husband. For this bizarre mourning ritual, such small stone blades with braided grip element and carrying strap were used. This custom is no longer practised among the Dani.
1: A small ‘finger knife’ with a bevelled, green-black stone blade, set into a small wooden grip by means of black tree resin, the grip braided with vegetal strings. A very old piece with noticeable traces of usage on the wickerwork and blade.
About 1900 to early 20th century; L: 15.5 cm (in total).
2: A larger size ‘finger knife’ with black, bevelled stone blade and braided wooden hilt. Although this ‘finger knife’ is indeed still produced in the traditional manner and form, it displays distinctly fewer traces of usage than the smaller object. Whether this item was ever used in the cruel mourning ritual of the Dani is questionable.
20th century; L: 24 cm (total). (ME)
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 26.05.2015 - 15:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 20.05. - 26.05.2015 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
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