Omore

Omore. Long pole spear. This omore (pole spear) is carved from ra'au (hardwood) into a cylindrical shaft of great length and a long leaf-shaped blade, narrow in width at its head. The blade has a raised central ridge on either of its sides. A carved double collar feature is incorporated on the shaft towards the base of the matai (spear head) with ornate decorative surface carving around it and up the lower side edges and centre of the blade in a pattern that resembles a stylised gecko or turtle design. Nape (coconut sennit), brown in colour and highly textured, is wrapped around the grip and butt of the shaft. The omore is dark red brown in colour with a glossy patina. Not illustrated in 'Polynesian Artifacts'.

Other Name

Spear (English)

Place

Austral Islands/French Polynesia/Pacific

Accession Number

1950.128

Accession Date

04 Jul 1950

Other Id

31960 (ethnology)

455 (Oldman Collection)

Department

Pacific