Head Hunter’s Knife

Fly River; PNG Early
20th Century
Previous Collection John Friede, NYC

Some tribal weapons are used as currency, tools, and for hunting animals. But some, are used to remove the head’s from humans. This rare macabre example is used exactly for that. Made from bamboo and wrapped with old string; this knife has a fantastic notched design, but this design is not to aesthetically please, these notches represent how many victims were taken with this very knife. A powerful conversation piece. There is a stabilized age crack from continuous use; but in otherwise excellent condition.

This knife is 12.5 inches tall.

SOLD / IN 306