Obsidian core, with flakes removed. [MJD (Verve) 16/1/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Obsidian core, with flakes removed. [MJD (Verve) 16/1/2017]
Long description: Obsidian core, with flakes removed. The stone is banded and there is evidence of flaking at one end only. [MJD (Verve) 16/1/2017]
Geographical reference: Papua New Guinea
Oceania > Melanesia > Papua New Guinea; Bismarck Archipelago New Britain South Coast Gasmata
Cultural groups: Arawe
Person: Field collector Beatrice Mary Blackwood; PRM source Beatrice Mary Blackwood
Date / Period: Date made: Before 08/1937
Date collected: August 1937
Acquisition information: Donated: 1938
Materials and processes: Material Obsidian Stone, Process Flaked
Dimensions: Length 95 mm, Depth 40 mm, Width 55 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1938.36.1153 Other numbers: Blackwood ii 1095
Research and responses: Chris Gosden Curator of Archaeology at the Pitt Rivers Museum looked at this object on 22nd May 1998. He said that it was a very poor example of obsidian due to the banding through it that can be seen. This banding means that any attempt to flake pieces off of the core would shatter. For this reason there is evidence of flaking at one end only, and therefore the object is not truly a 'core'. Gosden also noted that in his experience obsidian flakes are usually only used on the human body, for shaving etc., although they may on occasion be used for shaping spears. [CK 22 05 1998]

Search terms: Tool, Trade, Core

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