Context (Analysis)
Magic Stones: A collection of natural (1967.108-112) and manufactured (1967.113-5) stones/artefacts, which the Hageners regard equally as 'natural'. Different types of stones may be used for a wide range of magical purposes, as indicated separately. Such magic stones may be found by the owner, or may be transmitted through inheritance, usually mother-daughter, father-son. For a full account of similar stones among the Kyaka Enga, neighbours of the Hageners, seeBulmer R & S. "Figurines and other stones of power among the Kyaka of Central New Guinea". Journ. Polyn. Soc. 1963. For an account of the 'prehistoric' artefacts see Bulmer R & S on the archaeology of the Highlands in Amer.Anthr. special issue on New Guinea Highlands, 1964. cf. Vicedom I:128-134 [source of this information unknown].
Event Date 1/6/1998
Author: Lucie Carreau

Description (Physical description)
[historic description for 1967.114.1-6:] Magic stones: bowls. Shaped, stone bowls, known archaeologically as 'mortars' but regarded by the Hageners as 'natural'. They have no idea of how they might have been made, or of any possible uses beyond the magical purposes to which they put them cf. Bulmer 1964. 1 & 3 are made of volcanic lava. 3 & 4 comprise shallow bowls on pedestal bases, originally the whole being 5-6" d. They have a raised 'grape-seed' rim. Nos. 2 & 5 are shallow hollows in completely rounded bases, while 1 & 6 are shallow bowls of a platter shape, 6 being broken. Nos.1,2 and 6 show traces of red pigment in the curve of the bowls - no.6 being striped radially in red cf. 1967.115. No.1 was used with el tap ku (cf. 1967.113) for battle magic, a mixture of pig grease and charcoal being prepared in the bowl, and then smeared on the fighters with spells. No information on the other bowls.
Event Date 1/6/1998
Author: Lucie Carreau