A very rare and important figurative multi-pointed ceremonial spear representing a stylized male ancestor. The four multi-barbed points issue from the coif above the figures head. This coif is decorated with incised motifs that, while geometric in design, represent a stylized grimacing human face. The cylindrical body is strongly built with wide powerful shoulders. The arms are carved free from the structural masse of the body with the hands meeting on the torso. The face is expressive with a strong nose, oval eyes and a pouting mouth. The ears are carved with large openwork lobes. The shaft of the spear is cut down and shows extensive patination due to age and prolonged use.

Admiralty Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, PNG, Melanesia. Wood, string, seeds, with red, black, and white pigments.

176.5 x 9 x 6.5 cm. 19th century.

Ex coll. : Alfred Bühler (former director of the Museum für Völkerkunde, Basel) and possibly field collected by him between 1931/1932; Lorenz Eckert, Basel; Udo Horstmann, Zug.
Neither Nevermann nor Ohnemus show figurative multi-pointed spears in their respective tomes though they mention their existence.

Ref. :
- Neverman, Dr. Hans: ADMIRALITATS-INSELN, ERGEBNISSE DER SUDSEE-EXPEDITION,1908-1910. Hamburg, 1934.
- Ohnemus, Sylvia: AN ETHNOLOGY OF THE ADMIRALTY ISLANDS, The Alfred Bühler Collection, Museum der Kulturen, Basel, Crawford House Publishing, Bathurst, 1998.