Spear tip

The style of this spearhead with its Janus head is typical of Malekula art. The egg-shaped head is partially hollowed out to outline the facial features. The sharp edges form the superciliary arches and the wide-nostriled nose. Maurice Leenhardt, in “Arts de l’Océanie” published in 1948 (Collection Arts du Monde, Edition du Chêne), points out that the Big Nambas northwest of Malekula used “this particular category of spears to inflict punishment on enemies, to punish a breach of the law, to avenge an insult”. These spears, measuring over 2 meters in length, were made of a long bamboo rod topped at one end by two stylized Janus faces representing powerful ancestors, like the one shown here. The sharp-edged treatment of the faces is characteristic of the region’s style, and here stands out for its sculptural quality. Also noteworthy is the fine coconut fiber weave and the deep dark patina on the surface of this spear tip. Price: €3,400