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Nifo'oti

human history
  • Other Name

    Nifo 'oti (Samoan)

    Dance knife (English)

  • Description

    Nifo'oti. Dance knife. Nifo 'oti are modelled after the blubber knives of early 19th century whalers, early versions were made from wood and used as clubs for combat. Nifo'oti have evolved and incorporated more western elements, namely the large metal blade. In more recent times nifo'oti is used for ceremonial purposes and most commonly by a taupou or manaia as they perform the siva.

    This nifo'oti has a flat rectangular steel hooked blade attached to a long cylindrical wooden handle. The handle is painted black and has 'afa (braided coconut sennit) coiled around the two ends of the handle and the middle is carved into a decorative twist. The 'afa and carved twist may also be of functional use, providing the use with grip and indication points for hand placement.

  • Place
    Samoa/Pacific
  • Accession Number
    2015.22.13
  • Accession Date
    07 Apr 2015
  • Other Id

    56758.13 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

dance knife; Nifo 'oti; 2015.22.13

Images and documents

Images

  • dance knife; Nifo 'oti; 2015.22.13
  • dance knife; Nifo 'oti; 2015.22.13

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