Item X 81221 ngambi | Spear. Milingimbi, Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. 1900 - 1959

Summary

This spear is made with a stone head that originated at the quarry Ngilipidji near the Walker River in the southeast corner of Arnhem Land. The stone heads are called ngambi and are highly prized, often being traded in large bundles with each blade carefully wrapped in paperbark as seen here. The paperbark sheath is intended to keep the very sharp edges from being damaged during transit and are not usually unwrapped until ready to be used.

Local Name

ngambi

Physical Description

Composite spear with stone head wrapped in paperbark overwound with vegetable fibre string. Shaft is painted with natural pigments, and the design includes a band of crosshatching. The shaft is cut short.