An Early 20th Century Papua New Guinea Fighting Pick, Lowland Rainforest

This early 20th century fighting implement originates from the Lowland rainforest of the Asmat Regency, Brazza River district of Southern Papua New Guinea. Showing a hardwood stake bound to a wood handle with rattan caning, the tip fitted with a removable cassowary toenail that was intended to infect an opponent if a fatal blow failed. 

Dimensions noted as illustrated: 13.5” high x 27” long x 1.5” deep.    

Provenance: Purchased by direct descent from the family of Dr. George P. Holland, a noted Entomologist and former Director of The Entomology Research Institute with the Canadian Department of Agriculture, who obtained this and other indigenous artefacts while on a 5 month scientific research expedition to Papua New Guinea in 1957.

Dr. Holland was also awarded the distinction of Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

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