E1058A: Spear

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E1058A

Classification Category:

4:Tools & Equipment for Materials ➞ Fishing & Trapping T&E

Materials:

botanical ➔ wood
metal
animal ➔ sinew

Dimensions:

130.6 cm L

Use/Function:

Upon the death of a specific tree in the region, a worm would help in the decomposition process. Normally harvested and consumed as a delicacy, this particular larvae would excrete a poisonous substance if heated slightly. Hunters coated their projectile tips in this poison before hunting large game like giraffe. Once punctured with a poison-tipped arrow, the giraffe died within the day.

Source Locality:

Southern Africa

Acquisition Date:

July 19 2011

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