moto (Spear)
About this object
History of use
Spears were used as weapons in warfare, which traditionally occupied an important place in Fijian culture. Spears were also used in ceremonial dancing.
Narrative
Said to have been purchased by Mr. Bond from A.M. Brodziak, Ltd., in Fiji.
Cultural context
warfare; ceremonial
Physical description
Dark brown wood, round in cross-section, with the shaft tapered to the butt, and carved from a single piece of wood. Conical point is smooth and carved with one longitudinal row of barbs 18-38 cm. from tip: one very long barb; six pyramidal and one elongated pyramidal barb; four pyramidal and one smaller elongated barb. Has six grooves, creating five upraised horizontal bands across the front. Three braided rattan sleeves each 7 cm. wide are 43-45.5 cm. from the tip.
Categories