From the Waggi people of the Northern Territory, Australia. Early Aboriginal stone bladed knives, Leilira. A worked stone blade with Spinifex resin (plant), clay and wood handle with a grass sheath. The knives were essential for butchering game such as possum, kangaroo and emu. On occasion they were also used as weapons, ritualised fighting blades and in initiation ceremonies. Australia’s Aboriginal culture represents one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world, with stone tool technology dating back at least 65,000 years.
‘Pre-contact’ refers to the period before the British landing at Sydney Cove in 1788.
Dimensions: Large 12 inches total length / Medium 11 inches / Small 6.5 inches total length
Provenance: William Henry Keppie, collected in 1872.
Price is for the collection. Please contact us for full provenance documentation before purchase. We welcome enquiries from Aboriginal communities, cultural institutions and repatriation bodies regarding this item.
