Lance - Lot 77

Lance Admiralty Island Carved wood, fiber, obsidian tip 19th century Height: 158 cm Provenance Ex William Downing Webster collection (1868-1913) acquired in 1898 Ex private collection, Paris Spears from the Admiralty Islands are distinguished by their finely cut obsidian tips, a rare and highly symbolic material in the region. Obsidian, a volcanic rock with a fearsome cutting edge and vitreous brilliance, gave these weapons a formidable effectiveness as much as a ritual brilliance. The ensemble reveals a subtle balance between martial functionality and ornamental intent. These spears were not only intended for hunting or warfare: they also played an important role in ceremonies, affirming the status and prestige of their bearer. The long shaft is carved at the end with a stylized male figure whose face is animated by large circular eyes and a wide, half-open mouth. Rare examples like this one are preserved with their obsidian tip, which is secured by a fine knotted cord, whose meticulous braiding creates elegant diamond-shaped motifs, combining structural efficiency and ornamental refinement. ---- Spears from the Admiralty Islands are notable for their finely carved obsidian tips-a rare and highly symbolic material in the region. Obsidian, a volcanic glass with razor-sharp edges and a glossy sheen, endowed these weapons with both formidable efficiency and a ritual brilliance. The object reveals a subtle balance between martial functionality and decorative intent. These spears were not solely tools of hunting or warfare; they also played a significant role in ceremonial contexts, asserting the status and prestige of their bearer. The long shaft ends in a sculpted figure of a stylized male, whose face is animated by large circular eyes and an open mouth. Spears preserved with their original obsidian tips are rare. Here, the attachment is secured by a finely knotted cord, its intricate diamond-patterned braiding combining structural strength with ornamental elegance. 250-500