Bidspirit auction | Papua New Guinea Sepik River

Papua New Guinea Sepik River Cassowary Bone Dagger with Clay Mask Hilt - Papua New Guinea Sepik River cassowary bone dagger. The hilt is skillfully modeled from dark brown clay into a human face. The mask features inset cowrie shell eyes and a mouth formed by a single shell. A border of smaller shell fragments defines the jawline. Braided fiber cord is threaded through the septum as a nose ring, and knotted fiber tassels are secured to the ears. The crown is decorated with a tall plume of black cassowary feathers. The dagger blade is fashioned from a cassowary bone ground to a sharp point, revealing the natural marrow channel on the reverse. 21” H x 4” W x 3 3/8” D. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.