Asmat Cassowary Bone Dagger (Pi Pisuwe) bactria allowing for secure grip and

allowing for secure grip and ease of use

This rare and evocative artifact not only showcases the mastery of Chancay ceramicists but also offers a glimpse into the spiritual practices and shamanic traditions of this enigmatic Pre-Columbian civilization

funerary rites

This exquisite bowl thus embodies both the technical sophistication and spiritual beliefs of Silla culture

57 BC–676 AD

Asmat Cassowary Bone Dagger (Pi Pisuwe) bactria allowing for secure grip andAsmat people, early to mid 20th century, Irian Jaya (Papua), Indonesia Beautiful early cassowary bone dagger, finely worked and decorated with delicate incised line motifs. Daggers of this type are known as pi pisuwe, while those carved from human femur were reserved for the most sacred and high status contexts. Although carried during displays of warfare, bone daggers were principally used in ritual killings, initiations, and ceremonial attire,