Across cultures and centuries, humanity has sought to understand and navigate the mysteries of death, the unseen forces that shape existence, and the sacred act of hunting. Art and ritual objects serve as bridges between the physical and spiritual realms. These creations are more than functional; they are imbued with meaning, symbolizing protection, guidance, the cyclical nature of life and death, and the balance between humanity and nature.

Each artifact tells a story of belief and reverence. Divination tools provide wisdom to face the unknown, twin statues honor sacred bonds transcending mortality, and ritual garments like hunter fetish shirts offer spiritual protection in life and beyond. Hunting tools and adornments reflect the deep connection between survival, respect for life taken, and the spiritual forces that govern the natural world. These objects remind us that through art, humanity explores the profound questions of existence, forging connections to the divine, the ancestral, and the eternal.

Philippines

Steel and Wood

Kris or keris blades were widely used in Southeast Asia from Malaysia, to the Philippines, to Indonesia. The number of waves in the blade noted status and prestige and is designed to inflict more damage when slashing. These blades, intricate in their crafting, often do not have a full tang.

Fellow-Reeve Museum Collection

1995.02.320a Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Philippines

Rattan Wood

This sheath corresponds to the displayed blade. A typical design, its construction accommodates the waves on a kris/keris blade and the design on the hilt.

Fellow-Reeve Museum Collection

1995.02.320b Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Columbia

Wood

This wooden quiver holds palm darts made with wild cotton and curare cord would have been used in conjunction with a blowgun for hunting.

Gary Bohat Collection

1975.01.010. Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Palestine; Middle East

Woven Natural Material

Supported on each side with braids, the woven cradle is used to hold shot, usually a smooth stone, and then slung at a devastating speed. Once prevalent in warfare, this sling was likely used for small game.

Catalogued by D. Good

1968.03.002 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Kenya

Steel, Wood

Characteristic of a Maasai spear, this large blade features a flat taper and a wooden peg for a handle. These are used primarily as thrusting weapons.

Fellow-Reeve Museum Collection

1995.02.301 Lowell D Holmes Museum of Anthropology

India

Natural Material, Bone, Beads, Metal

Woven with natural materials and adorned with beads with wool tassels, this basket, which features three skulls from Arunachal macaques, was likely used for headhunting. Each of the monkey’s skulls represented a head claimed. Sourced to the Naga of Northeastern India, the Naga practiced headhunting until the early 20^th Century.

Loaned from Dr. Peer Moore-Jansen

L2025.01.01 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Philippines

Metal, Bone, Textile

Featuring a wavy blade and a polished, bone handle, this knife features Islamic influence in its inscription and design. The tassel and silver cording suggests this knife was used largely for decorative purposes of adornment.

Rev. Leonard A. & Mrs. Dale Sr.

2015.06.044a Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Philippines

Rattan Wood, Brass

Corresponding to the knife displayed, this sheath features a decorative tassel and a modern style belt clip as opposed to an older style sword or knife ring.

Rev. Leonard A. & Mrs. Dale Sr.

2015.06.044b Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology