Sea bone yam knife, Kanak ethnic group, New Caledonia, Melanesia

Ritual knife for cutting sea bone yams.
 Flat in shape with dotted incisions and sculpted cutouts to stylize the object. Formed of a blade with a rounded tip, a thinner rounded handle and a pommel in opposite triangles.
 Good condition, in its own juice with traces of seniority and natural patina.
 Natural bone color.
  
 Originally from New Caledonia, from the Kanak population, this type of particularly stylized instrument, generally made of wood, was used to cut yams during important ceremonies, such as those of the "first fruits of the yams " (season of the new yam), or that of the "taking of the habit", a ritual during which the knives were used both to slice the yams and to circumcise young men. This last ceremony highlights the Kanak belief that a essential unity binds men and yams.
  
 It is a ritual object that can complete a cabinet of curiosities or a collection of Oceanian objects.
  
 DIMENSIONS : H26.5xL5.5cm
 DATE: XXth
 ORIGIN: Kanak, New Caledonia
 WEIGHT: 0.115kg