oceania | New Caledonia
Kanak Axe
New Caledonia
O Kono ceremonial axe with janus heads
Kanak
19th century
Serpentine (jade), wood, flying fox fur, fabric, fiber
Height: 19 ¼ in (49 cm)
Provenance
Ex private collection before 2006
Ex Sotheby’s Paris, 5 Dec. 2006 lot 62
Ex Charles-Wesley Hourdé, Paris acquired at the above sale
Ex Abraham Rosman & Paula Rubel, New York
acquired from the above in May 2008
Kanak Ax 49 cm / Galerie Flak
Price on request
The earliest available information relating to the function of the axe is that it was used to cut up the bodies of cannibal victims; however, the fragility of the hafting and the preciousness of the blade make such a use extremely dubious.
Maurice Leenhardt in 1930 noted that the “green clubs” were seen in rainmaking rituals. He also noted that these prestige objects were kept in a basket of wealth belonging to important lineages, and that they were only removed on key occasions such as mourning ceremonies and weddings during which affirmation of status occurred.
Maurice Leenhardt in 1930 noted that the “green clubs” were seen in rainmaking rituals. He also noted that these prestige objects were kept in a basket of wealth belonging to important lineages, and that they were only removed on key occasions such as mourning ceremonies and weddings during which affirmation of status occurred.
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