Weapons in Vanuatu were sometimes decorated with small masterpieces of sculpture, as in this example. The object reflects the deplorable tendency of collectors to cut the ‘best’ bits off larger objects, for ease of carrying, storing, and displaying. At least this shows the collector was primarily interested in the sculpture rather than the weapon.
However, the fragment alone cannot convey the full power, whether symbolic or functional, of the complete spear.
Spear shaft, 19th century, made from wood, plant fibre, bamboo, pigment by an unknown maker, Vanuatu, purchased 1948 as part of the Oldman Collection