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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ancient Art / Easter Island (Rapa Nui) Stone Obsidian Spearhead ("Nihomango") - 11.5 cm
Complete and exceptionally well-preserved obsidian spearhead of the Nihomango type, characteristic of the pre-contact culture of Easter Island (Rapa Nui). The piece displays the typical elongated, tapering tang designed for hafting into a wooden shaft, together with a broad blade carefully shaped by fine pressure flaking, characteristic of functional hunting and ceremonial spears. The surface exhibits clear conchoidal flake scars with regular pressure retouch along both cutting edges, a technological hallmark of this distinctive tool type. The obsidian is deep black, homogeneous, and of high quality, displaying a glossy vitreous surface with a subtle metallic sheen along the flaked edges. On Rapa Nui, spearheads of this type were used both as practical weapons and as symbols of prestige and social status. Given the highly developed ceremonial traditions of the island, it is possible that this example also fulfilled a ritual or symbolic function in addition to its practical use. Well-preserved nihomango spearheads are highly sought after due to their excellent craftsmanship and their association with one of the world's most remarkable prehistoric island cultures. Condition: Complete and in excellent condition. Fine sharp edges with no visible modern damage or recent flaking. Attractive archaeological surface with authentic age-related patina and weathering. An excellent technological and aesthetic example of a complete nihomango spearhead. Provenance: Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Estimate:$899.63
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorAncient Art
Estimate:
$899.63
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
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