Throwing spear

This spear was made by the Kanak people of New Caledonia probably in the 1800s. Decorated spears, or those such as this one, are not used as normal spears in warfare or for hunting animals. Instead, they are only used in mourning ceremonies. The carved heads are said to either represent ancestors or the god of the land of the dead.

Decoration

The spear is made from wood. A carved head or mask sits two-thirds of the way down the spear shaft. Above and below this head there are bands of incised zigzags and parallel lines decorating the shaft.

Acquisition

This spear is part of the Oldman Collection. In 1948, the New Zealand Government purchased this collection for an undisclosed sum from the London dealer and collector W O Oldman.