Sword Mass Called Kerepa Culture Massim, Trobriand Islands, Milne Bay, Papua 19th Century.

SWORD MASS called Kerepa
Massim culture, Trobriand Islands, Milne Bay province, Papua New Guinea
Late 19th century
Wood and pigments
H.: 66; L.: 8 cm

Club in the shape of a sword ending in three prongs, the middle of which is sculpted with an anthropomorphic face. The wooden blade is entirely incised with doka and two snakes. The handle itself features a stylized serpent's head. These clubs were intended to put an end to the societal problems in the village. It is said that the more finely they were engraved, the more their power was effective.

Handwritten and descriptive label on the reverse signed W. Thomson and dated 1897.
Handwritten collection number: 24.

It could be a note from WJ Thomson (1841-1909), he was treasurer on the Mohican in 1866.

N° 67 of the exhibition “Australia Oceania line and form”

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON