Dani Hafted Stone Adze - Yara (Jaka) - Dani - Indonesia (No reserve price)

Originating from the isolated highlands of the Baliem Valley in Western New Guinea, this traditional elbow-hafted stone adze exemplifies the sophisticated lithic material culture preserved by the Dani people into the late twentieth century. Conceived along the traditional Oceanic elbow-haft architecture, the implement utilizes a naturally angled hardwood branch, the anatomical fork of which provides an integrated mount and counterweight to balance the cutting head.

Socketed firmly at the terminal is a planilateral celt of dense, dark riverine metamorphic stone, ground and polished to a sharp, asymmetrical bevelled cutting edge. The blade is secured to the foot of the haft by an intricate, tightly coiled sleeve of split rattan, woven across the heel and collar in dense helical bands. The binding exhibits an appealing natural modulation of honeyed amber and deeper scorched tones, showcasing traditional highland basketry techniques executed entirely without modern hardware or synthetic adhesives.

The adze presents in remarkably well-preserved original condition, bearing a smooth, hand-rubbed handling patina along the cylindrical haft and light surface wear consistent with period field retention.


PROVENANCE
Property from the Estate of a German biologist and naturalist (field-collected in situ, Baliem Valley, Irian Jaya, Indonesia, 1993).
Thence by descent to the present owner.