Pig Killer Club
Artist/Maker
Artist Unknown
(Artist Unknown)
Datelate 19th to early 20th century
Mediumwood and pigment
DimensionsOverall: 32 3/8 x 8 1/8 x 2 3/4 in. (82.2 x 20.6 x 7 cm)
ClassificationsWeapons and Armor
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
Object number2005.43.21
DescriptionVanuatu social life is dominated by grade ceremonies featuring pig sacrifices and the payment of numerous specially raised pigs by the man who aspires to a higher level of membership in one of the local grade Societies. A man’s social prestige in life as well as his position and importance as an ancestor depends on the grade he reaches in a life long sequence of ceremonies. Pigs represent wealth in traditional Vanuatu society, and especially valued are those whose curved lower tusks have been allowed to grow unimpeded in two or even three complete revolutions. The pigs are confined in pens and hand-fed a special diet.On View
Not on viewCollections