Accession No

Z 5406 E


Description

Arrow. Point of palm wood with two rows of two wooden barbs lashed with plant fibre. Traces of pigments on binding. Point inserted into bamboo shaft (no binding). Shaft has five sections of incised black lines. Section nearest point is decorated with a triangular pattern repeated four times. Lower part of shaft bound with plant fibre covered in dark gum or resin. Butt carved with a nock.


Place

Oceania; Melanesia; New Guinea; Papua New Guinea; Autonomous Region of Bougainville; ?Buka


Period


Source

?Free Library [donor]


Department

Anth


Reference Numbers

Z 5406 E; B 1030


Cultural Affliation


Material

Wood; Bamboo; Plant fibre; Pigment; ?Gum; ?Resin


Local Term


Measurements

15mm x 1247mm


Events

Description (Labels & Markings)
A small rectangular label with serrated edges and internal blue border is glued to the shaft and reads: 'B 1030'.
Event Date
Author: Lucie Carreau


Description (Physical description)
Z register for Z 5406 A-E: '5 Arrows. Carved heads'.
Event Date
Author: maa


Context (Acquisition Details)
The entry for Z 5406 A-E in the Z register suggests that the five arrows were transferred from the Free Library in Cambridge in 1885. However, only one (Z 5406 A) bears a 'Free Library' label. The labels glued to the other four (stating 'B 1030') have been seen on other objects not associated with the Free Library.

Until more information comes to light, the 'Free Library' has been retained as a source but queried for the arrows not bearing a 'Free Library' label (Z 5406 B-E).
Event Date 18/2/2026
Author: Lucie Carreau


Context (Amendments / updates)
When it was entered into the Z register, this arrow was described as originating from Vanuatu [New Hebrides] but was given no further information in terms of geographical provenance or collection history.

However, the incised decoration on the shaft makes Buka a more likely geographical provenance for this arrow. The place field has been amended accordingly.
Event Date 18/2/2026
Author: Lucie Carreau


Description (Physical description)
Arrow. Point of palm wood with two rows of two wooden barbs lashed with plant fibre. Traces of pigments on binding. Point inserted into bamboo shaft (no binding). Shaft has five sections of incised black lines. Section nearest point is decorated with a triangular pattern repeated four times. Lower part of shaft bound with plant fibre covered in dark gum or resin. Butt carved with a nock.
Event Date 2/3/2026
Author: Lucie Carreau


FM:327985

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