PAIR OF TORRES STRAITS ARROWS W/ HUMAN FIGURES

Origin: New Guinea, South Coast, Torres Straits neighboring the Fly River   (Provenance:  From an old Australian Collection. 

Period/Date: circa 1940s

Materials:  Bamboo, wood, bone lime, natural ocher paints, plant fiber

Description:  Here's a pair of impressive and finely worked arrows each mounted on a custom metal base.  These special fighting arrows were shot from bows that were often 7 feet long.  They are beautifully constructed.  The arrow on the right features a human figure on both sides with painted decoration!  It is quite unusual to see human figures on arrows.  The other arrow has long elegant descending barbed shoulders with notched edges.  They are in excellent condition, display instantly, and look very impressive in person.

Dimensions:   Length 55"  (140 cm)