NHM-HT.87-2014
Parts
Object number
NHM-HT.87-2014
Object type
Identification
Description
Suya arrow, with black and white feather fletching, cut on one side in a pattern, bound to arrow with string
Comments
Display label:
'These extraordinary arrows are from the Suya Indians in the Xingu National Park. The arrows have circular nuts attached part way up the shaft with a hole cut in them, which causes the arrow to whistle when it is fired into the air. The feather fletches are curved like a propellor, thus making an even more interesting noise. The purpose is to hypnotise the target bird into remaining on its perch in a high tree instead of flying away, as it might do had it heard the usual swish of an arrow. The arrows, instead of having killing points, simply have a lump of beeswax on the end designed to stun the bird and make it fall to the ground, when it would be taken home to be kept as a pet for its feathers.'
'These extraordinary arrows are from the Suya Indians in the Xingu National Park. The arrows have circular nuts attached part way up the shaft with a hole cut in them, which causes the arrow to whistle when it is fired into the air. The feather fletches are curved like a propellor, thus making an even more interesting noise. The purpose is to hypnotise the target bird into remaining on its perch in a high tree instead of flying away, as it might do had it heard the usual swish of an arrow. The arrows, instead of having killing points, simply have a lump of beeswax on the end designed to stun the bird and make it fall to the ground, when it would be taken home to be kept as a pet for its feathers.'
Description
Dimensions
length (actual size): 1155mm
Material
wood
Production
People
Place
Brazil
History and association
Previous ownership
