Polished stone axe head, shaped for insertion into wooden haft.
Polished stones are more likely to be used in ceremonies or exchange. If this example is compared with a ‘dressed’ stone from the same location the decorating can make all the difference. The Barbier-Mueller collection has one where orchid string is wrapped around the girth of the stone several times and straw woven pendants hang down adorned with cowrie shells. This is described as an object involved in bride price See P Peltier and F Morin Ombres de Nouvelle Guinée: arts de la grande Île dans les collections Barbier-Mueller Somogy editions d’art, Paris 2006 p 245
