Description
C1858- Unusual and the first of its kind I have traded as it is made from a single piece of bone with simple etchings on the back of the hand-grip.
I am not sure if this an old piece because the bone has quite a patina however there are a few rough bits, not all smooth which is what I would
expect from wood that has been in continual use, but then again bone is fractual in a way that wood is not.
Even more interesting is the cradle which has used the chin guard [solid black plastic] of a bicycle helmet.
Bait Caster, pancinko, cartapel, slingshot, catapult.
When these rubber bands get tired and perish, which they will, the inner tube of a bicycle tyre will last heaps longer….many more twangs in a bicycle tyre than rubber bands believe me.
15cm tall x 8cm wide.
5.5″ x 3.5″ wide.
100g / 3.5oz
The sad thing about these is that they are responsible for the near complete annihilation of birds in West Timor. Young boys and men carry these in their back pockets and in a land of very little food any protein source is fair game.
If you wish to gather multiple treasures, and International buyers are welcome, this website and shop cart should allow for it. If not I will contact you to find the most economical way to send your treasures to you.
International clients are welcome. Aus Post has returned the international 250gr small parcel. This is great news. YAY! A true shame that they have not done so for domestic.
I am Julie and have been collecting Timorese Treasures in the field since 1990 when I won a prize for overseas travel in a pub in Darwin [true]. I had no idea at the time that I had stumbled upon an Aladdin’s cave of authentic traditional tribal textiles and treasures. I have been returning annually ever since [well most years] and been witness to many changes across the last 3 decades. Who knows when we will be able to travel there again to obtain such treasures?
NOTE: We use recycled packaging
Clearly none of us are sure what will happen post COVID, but I do know that the villagers, carvers and weavers up in the mountains will be grateful when some outside dollars comes into their informal/circular economy. Therefore every purchase you choose to make with me will benefit the Atoni [people of West Timor] as soon as I can get back there.
I distribute reading glasses and nutritious food seeds as the soil in the western half of Timor is very poor and water a precious resource. Please contact me if you wish to contribute.
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