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Crocodile jawbone dagger, Eu Karowan, 19th–early 20th century
Crocodile jawbone with tooth, fiber, Abrus and Coix seeds, nautilus shell, cassowary quills and feathers
52.1 x 22.9 x 16.5 cm (20 1/2 x 9 x 6 1/2 in.)
The Marcia and John Friede Collection, a Promised Gift to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco L05.1.271

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Artist Biography: (none) PROVENANCE: "Herbert Tischner Collection, Hamburg." (Catalog #530, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 177.) PUBLICATIONS: 2005 - "These comparatively rare daggers were made from the lower jaw of a crocodile. Several authors make not distinction as to the function of the various types of daggers (made of human, cassowary, or crocodile bone). In general, they were "used in warfare, in ritual killings, and in village fights" (Schneebaum, 1985: 154) or "they were carried by warriors, not only as signs of prestige, but also stabbing tools" (Konrad, Konrad, and Sowada, 2002: 366)." (Catalog #530, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 177.)

Related Keywords
Karowan Eu dagger Francisco San Museums Arts Fine Gift Promised 177 p 2 Volume 2005 Friede John Marcia Jolika Masterpieces Art Guinea New 530 Catalog Hamburg Tischner Herbert recorded people culture Oceania Papua West Indonesia object Ritual feathers quills cassowary shell nautilus seeds Coix Abrus fiber tooth jawbone Crocodile 0709200406050170 A361186 L05.1.271 AOA