Ceremonial Adze, Vanuatu

Malekula Island, Vanuatu
68.5cm

These entirely ceremonial adzes were used in grade society initiation rituals. This example is exceptionally beautifully sculpted, and dates to the late 19th century or before.

Cf. related examples in Speiser, ETHNOLOGY OF VANUATU, Plate 85, and in Force & Force, THE FULLER COLLECTION OF PACIFIC ARTIFACTS, page 207 (where it is mistakenly identified as “a pig- killer dance implement”).

Price on request

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