E1058B: Arrow

Ethnographic

Identifier:
E1058B
Classification Category:
5:Tools & Equipment for Science and Technology ➞ Armament ➞ Edged
Materials:
botanical ➔ wood
animal ➔ sinew
Dimensions:
53.5 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