Bow

Related to masculinity and warfare contexts. Bow used in warfare and hunting : also cassowary claw enables it to be used as a spear in close combat. May be carried with arrows in ritual dancing. With arrows, symbolized Kewa male.

Warfare; ceremonial; hunting.

A very long plain dark bow without string. The bow has a flattened oval appearance with one flat side in cross section (one side flat, one side convex.), tapering from the centre to the ends. There is a raised ridge around the bow at both ends. One end has a cassowary claw, which is now broken. The opposite has two woven sleeves, probably rattan, each 1 cm. wide. The flat side of the bow is coated with thick resinous substance, now flaking off.