Wuvulu-Aua culture, Bismark archipelago, Papua New Guinea
Late 19th - early 20th century
Wood and tortoise bone
Length: 50 cm; Length: 18 cm
Short, cylindrical wooden handle with a turtle bone blade cut in a half-crescent shape on the distal part.
This particular tool is characteristic of Wuvulu Island and was used to dig dugout canoes. Two complementary uses are reported: the first by Kevin Conru, who used it as a spatula for taro dishes; the second by R. & M. Force, for whom the axe was used to cut breadfruit.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
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