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1884.20.45

Bamboo harpoon, with an iron point, set in hard wood, loosely socked to the shaft. There is a plant fibre line attacking the head to the shaft. [VS [OPS move] 6/9/2018]

1884.20.45

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Collection type
Object
Description
Bamboo harpoon, with an iron point, set in hard wood, loosely socked to the shaft. There is a plant fibre line attacking the head to the shaft. [VS [OPS move] 6/9/2018]
Long description
Bamboo harpoon, with an iron point, set in hard wood, loosely socked to the shaft. There is a plant fibre line attacking the head to the shaft. The iron point has a single barb on one side, and was used for spear turtle, rays, and dugong. [VS [OPS move] 6/9/2018]
Date / Period
Date made: Possibly before 1878
Date collected
?Prior to 1878
Acquisition information
Donated: 1884
Materials and processes
Material Iron Metal, Material String, Material Bamboo Plant, Material Wood Plant, Process Bound, Process Forged (Metal), Process Hammered, Process Socketed
Dimensions
Length: max 2968 mm, Diameter: max 30 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1884.20.45 PR no.: 155/ 11935
Research and responses

This object is listed in Accession Book VII but is one of those items listed there which were part of the PRM collections before 1884. [AP Leverhulme project on founding collection 1995-1998]

Associated publications
JAI 1878: 466 'Hinwenh Fish harpoon used for catching large fish. The turtle harpoon called Kansheú very much resembles the 'Hinwenh' but it has a longer line. (I have no specimen in my possession so cannot send one) Pl XV' [Taken from the 'List of Andamanese and Nicobarese implements ornaments etc presented to Major General Lane Fox by EH Man esq and thus described by Mr Man 18th September 1877']. Indian Antiquary, Feb. 1895, 'Catalogue of Nicobarese objects', p. 44 '22 (m) Hinwenh or Hinlâk (Car Nicobar Lâk) Two descriptions of harpoons for spearing turtles, ray-fish, sharks, and dugongs. The latter weapon, being provided with a long line, which is held in the hand, is first thrown; after which, in order to render the capture more certain, the former is brought into use. The shaft of the hinwenh is of bamboo but that of the kanshoka is of hard wood.' [AP Leverhulme project on founding collection 1995-1998]

Search terms: Weapon, Hunting, Cordage, Harpoon, Hunting accessory

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