Basically, the spear is one of the oldest existing weapons in the civilization of world. This is because the materials that you need and the process of making spears is not that difficult. In fact, almost all ethnic groups have their own version of it. It includes Papuan spear that originates from Papua.
In general, the shape of this spear is not much different from any other spears that exist in the world. But, there are some characteristics of this traditional weapon of Papua that you cannot find anywhere else. Especially the purpose of using the spear. So, here are all the things that you need to know about it!
How to Make the Papuan Spear
Although this weapon is common in the land of Papua, how to make a Papuan spear in each region is not the same. Every tribe in Papua has its own version of the spear. So, the ingredients and how to make them definitely differ from each other.
However, in general, most of them are made of bamboo or hoard for the handle. As for the spearhead, in the past, they used pine trunks, animal bones, or sharp stones. But, over time, they began to use metal for coastal communities. While most of the tribes in the mountains use ironwood.
Some tribes even make spearheads similar to javelins. The length of the Papuan spear does vary. Normally, the length is around 3 to 5 meters. Then, they would rub it with seashell powder until it got sharp. Normally, it will take a week until the creation is complete.
Some of the tribes even decorated their spears with animal feathers. The most common ones are definitely bird feathers, for example, cassowaries.
The Purpose of Papuan Spear
In fact, the purpose of the Papuan spear is not much different from one tribe to another. Most of them used it as a tool of survival by hunting for food. The most common ones are probably to hunt deer, pigs, and also various other animals. The existence of these animals is very common in the forests of Papua.
But apart from that, the Papuan people in the past also used this weapon to defend themselves and their territory. In short, they use it for war. This is because in the past war was something that was very prestigious for them. Moreover, for people who are considered a threat to their tribe.
In addition, for some tribes in the land of Papua, the spear is also one of the properties of their traditional dance. That way, aesthetically, the dance will definitely look cooler and unique.
Aside from that, in terms of meaning, all the messages that the dancers want to convey will be better delivered to the audience.
Until now, the ability of Papuan people to play the spear is still very good. Even though they rarely hunt and go to war anymore, their skills have not diminished. For now, some of them still keep spears at their own home.
The Philosophy of Papuan Spear
For the people of Papua, the Papuan spear is a symbol of courage. Because of that, you need to take good care of this traditional weapon. Normally, the Papuan people would hang the spears in their homes. Whether it is on the ceiling or on the wall.
What makes it even more interesting is that they would not use spears for any purposes other than hunting and war. For example for gardening or for cutting trees. They believe that using spears for things that are not meant to be will bring bad luck.
So, it is clear that Papuan spear is one of the important weapons for the civilization of the Papuan people. This traditional weapon definitely has a deep meaning behind it for them.
