OCEANIC AXE

Unidentified Pacific culture. 22" length. The head, a mollusk half shell. Split bamboo haft, originally one piece bent 180°, the "socket" now deteriorated and separated to two pieces. The butt appears to be cleaved with an iron blade. The head lashed with split cane. The butt secured with cord, probably replacing split cane which deteriorated over time. Probably trade goods for the sailors who visited the islands and likely early-mid 19th century. Ex: Christie's London, March 7, 1989, lot 67. Unique in our experience.