Mendi axe, Papua New Guinea Green stone, rattan... Lot 33

Mendi axe, Papua New Guinea Green stone, rattan and wood Late 19th - early 20th century H. 50 cm Some adzes, considered magical tools (tapu), were only used by religious elites during certain fertility rites, in ceremonies linked to the construction of sacred pirogues or chiefs' houses, or to end war conflicts and mark the reign of a new chief. Polynesian ceremonial adzes are generally distinguished from secular adzes by more ostentatious features, including decorated handles, relatively more massive blades and sometimes elaborate basketry. This example features superb wickerwork. Original intact stone. Beautiful patina.