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1886.1.502.5.1

Arrow with reed shaft [.1] and bone head [.2]. [MJD 21/02/2013]

1886.1.502.5.1

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Collection type
Object
Description
Arrow with reed shaft [.1] and bone head [.2]. [MJD 21/02/2013]
Long description
Arrow with reed shaft [.1] and poisoned bone head [.2]. The bone head, sharpened to a point, is covered with a dark brown resin. The head is socketed into the end of the reed shaft. The socket is bound with sinew. The tail end is notched and bound with sinew. [MJD 21/02/2013]
Cultural groups
Khoe-San
Date / Period
Date made: On or before 1815
Date collected
?1810 - 1815
Acquisition information
Transferred: 10/02/1886
Materials and processes
Material Reed Plant, Material Animal Bone, Material Poison, Material Animal Sinew, Material Resin Plant, Process Carved, Process Notched, Process Socketed, Process Bound
Dimensions
Length 539 mm, Length: max 613 mm total
Object numbers
Accession number: 1886.1.502.5.1 Accession number: 1886.1.502.5.2
Research and responses

William John Burchell was collecting in southern Africa between 1810 - 1815 and in South America between 1826 - 1829, see Biographies file for further information [AP 20/1/99]

This arrow was seen on a research visit by Justin Bradfield, University of Johannesburg on the 14 May 2013. Justin commented that the bone heads on these arrows are reversible. They were made to be fitted into the shaft in both directions. The poisoned end would be inserted into the arrow shaft for safety when travelling. [MJD 03/06/2013]

Associated publications
This bone point of this arrow was analysed in 'Pointed Bone Tool Technology in Southern Africa' by Justin Bradfield for his D.Phil thesis at the University of Johannesburg. Bradfield notes in the appendix concerning plain bone points 'point angle 5°, length 127 mm, Max width 5.1 mm, width at 1 cm 2.3 mm, width at 3cm 3 mm, high/dull polish appearance along tip/ high points mid shaft, longitudinal striation, two poison rings below main poison body, dark highly cracked tar-like poison.' [see Bradfield researchers file] [MJD 09/12/2014]

Search terms: Archery Weapon, Arrow

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