Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 2014-0001-0055   CAS 2014-0001-0055; Bow drill
Category Tools & Implements
Object Name Bow drill
Culture Melanesian
Global Region Oceania
Country Papua New Guinea
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture
Collection Name N/A
Materials Wood; Bamboo; Fiber cordage; Metal: Steel nail; Stain
Description Cylindrical bow drill, carved from single piece of wood with the proximal end carved in the form of a crocodile head; Shaft of drill is painted black and undecorated except for series of shallow grooves that encircle the mid-section and just behind crocodile’s head; Segment of nail or heavy gauge metal is inserted into distal end of shaft, forming the actual drill bit; Hale drilled through drill’s shaft just behind and perpendicular to crocodile’s head is threaded through with loop of 2-ply cordage, which also passes through bamboo cylinder; Twisting the cordage loop round the shaft and then moving the bamboo cylinder back and forth cause the shaft to rotate, turning the drill bit.
Dimensions (cm) Max Diam = 3.0, Length = 46.7