Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 2005-0006-0031   CAS 2005-0006-0031; Atlatl
Category Carvings; Weaponry
Object Name Atlatl
Culture Melanesian: Iatmul People
Global Region Oceania
Country Papua New Guinea
State/Prov./Dist. East Sepik Province
County
Other Geographic Data Middle Sepik River area
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture 19th or 20th century
Collection Name N/A
Materials Bamboo; Wood; Cane; Plant fiber
Description Atlatl (spear thrower) made from bamboo pole from which a portion has been cut away on the upper half to reveal the inner hollow channel; Just below the cutaway section a narrow slot has been cut and a small carving in the form of a stylized hornbill (?), which functions as a guide, is inserted therein and secured with a wide plaited band of cane.
Dimensions (cm) Depth = 9.7, Max Diam = 3.2, Length = 80.7