Dance Wand

According to Burnett, this figure came from the Banning people in New Ireland and was used as the "scorceror's principal implement in causing the death of a man or woman at the instigation of and in payment of a fee by an enemy". The victim is then expected to die unless he or his friends counter a larger fee. Women and children were not allowed at the ceremonies. However, according to C. Mayer, these dance wands originated in New Britain.

Long rectangular light brown wood carving of a lizard with a notched tooth edge frame at either side and a handle at one end. Very bright blue along the sides with a black body and tail speckled with white and red, red limbs, and white feet. Three white-grey feather tassels attached on outer protrusions at each corner ankle. End below lizard's head is the handle and the bottom of the wand.