Asmat Pisuwe Bone Dagger

Description

Pisuwe bone dagger on iron stand from the 1970’s. Originally from Asmat people.

Pisuwe is a dagger from the island of New Guinea. Ndam pisuwe or Ndam emak pisuwe are those that are made with human femur bone and Pi pisuwe are for those that are made with Cassowary bone. Prior to the colonization of the Dutch in the 1950s, these daggers are carried by the Asmat people and they are used only in ritual killings. These daggers are usually embellished with Cassowary feathers at the pommel and/or decorated with carved in artworks depicting humans and animals. Asmat men would wear this dagger as part of their traditional attire during customary ceremonies by girding it on the side of their waist.

Dimensions: 2.5″ x 3.5″ x 13.75″ (16″ with the stand)

Vintage piece. Sell in used, pre-owned condition. Vintage and antique items by nature have variable amounts of wear, imperfections, signs of use, age and time. Perfectly imperfect. Condition shown as in pictures. Kindly contact us if you need more info. or detail pictures.