Lot 196, Auction 4/3/2026: Amazon Basin Indigenous Hunting Bows & Arrows

$455.00

In stock

South America, Amazon Basin, Indigenous cultures, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A collection of bows and arrows assembled in the Amazon region and reflecting traditional hunting and defensive technologies that remain in use among various communities. The group includes six long projectile shafts resembling spears or javelins yet constructed of lightweight cane reed and intended for use with large bows, each fitted with lanceolate cut reed or wood blades secured with tightly wrapped cotton cord. Five shorter arrows are tipped with carved bone, barbed iron, or shaped wooden points, also bound with fiber lashings. Three curved wooden bows accompany the arrows, two retaining cotton and plant fiber stringing. Additional elements include three partial cane reed shafts lacking heads, a feather for fletching, and one loose reed blade. The group was stored in a vintage wooden shipping container, which accompanies the set. Size of largest arrow: 80″ L x 1″ W (203.2 cm x 2.5 cm); box: 84″ L x 3″ W (213.4 cm x 7.6 cm); box: 84″ L x 3″ W (213.4 cm x 7.6 cm)

Condition: Stable condition consistent with use and age. Splitting to reed shafts. Several fragmentary cane reed shafts missing heads, a loose feather for fletching, and one loose reed blade. Cotton cord lashings remain largely intact but show age-related discoloration and loosening in areas. Shipping box has significant wear, boards are separating at the joints and the overall construction is unstable. Numerous nails are heavily rusted, with several protruding from the surface.

Provenance: ex-private collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015

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