Ceremonial Obsidian Knife – Admiralty Islands, Papua New Guinea, Early 20th Century

Length: 20.5 cm
Materials: Obsidian, wood, Parinarium nut resin, natural pigments (red, black, white)

Authentic ceremonial knife from the Admiralty Islands (Manus Province, Papua New Guinea), dating from the early 20th century.
It features two sharp obsidian blades inserted into a handle made of wood covered with Parinarium nut resin, finely incised and painted with red, black, and white geometric motifs.

The obsidian originates from New Britain, traded throughout the Bismarck Archipelago and incorporated into ritual and prestige objects by the Admiralty Islanders.
Such knives were ceremonial rather than utilitarian, symbolizing rank and ritual function.

Excellent preservation with both blades intact, vivid traces of original pigment, and a deep, aged patina.
A rare and striking example of early 20th-century Oceanic craftsmanship from the Admiralty tradition.

Provenance: Private European collection.
Condition: Very good; minor age-related wear and small resin losses consistent with age.
Date: Early 20th century.