kepa (Digging Stick)
About this object
History of use
Used in gardening as a tool in unearthing tubers. Also carried in ceremonial dances: may be then used by unmarried women to ward off unwanted suitors, in self defence. The stick was manufactured by men, using bush knife, stone scraper, and rough leaves for polishing.
Cultural context
Everyday; ceremonial.
Physical description
Brown wood stick of a very elongated, thin paddle shape that is a flattened oval in cross-section. One end is pointed while the flatter end is rounded.
Materials
Casuarina wood?
