AndrewD
[HoMe Moderator]
12829
Australian Aboriginal artifacts 6 – Pointing (killing) bone
In some Aboriginal groups, particularly in central Australia, it is believed that pointing bones could cause injury or death. The bone was usually pointed at the victim by a kurdaitcha man (or ritual executioner) and it was believed that unless a ‘medicine man’ could remove the evil magic the ‘boned’ person would die. In fact there are reports of ‘boned’ individuals actually dying, often because they refused food and water.
I am unsure of the type of bone. When I was given this in the 1970’s I was told it was from a woman’s arm, but I suspect it is animal in origin, and a kangaroo or emu is likely. The end is covered in spinifex gum and it is attached to human hair cord.
And some museum examples ...
Andrew
Australian Aboriginal artifacts 6 – Pointing (killing) bone
In some Aboriginal groups, particularly in central Australia, it is believed that pointing bones could cause injury or death. The bone was usually pointed at the victim by a kurdaitcha man (or ritual executioner) and it was believed that unless a medicin...
re: pointed
Is the bone cut at that angle with a slight groove/indentation for blood letting? -MW
Bloodletting
Interesting thought. Bloodletting amongst Australian aborigines was sometimes used in ceremonies, particularly initiation of young peple, along with cicatrization, tooth extraction, urethral subincision and nasal septum piercing. But as far as I know, poi...
What a thrilling artifact, Andrew!
I wonder how you came into possession of this thrilling artifact. Ciao, Elio
Yes it's very special
A highlight in my anthropology collection. It was given to me in the 1970's by an Aboriginal friend who ran an aboriginal culture museum. It receives the respect it deserves. Bone pointing still occurs today, so it is not just something lost in time. Plea...