(CH 313) Small Bullroarer, Papuan Gulf.
Bullroarers in the Papuan Gulf can be divided into two main categories: examples used for display to young initiates in the Mens House which were never played and acts as spirit objects and working examples which would be used to produce the sound or 'voice' of the spirit object bullroarers. This example lacks a hole to be used and so its likely to be a spirit object.
Government anthropologist F.E. Williams ( 1936 ) writes that the smaller bull roarers are often undecorated and much less numerous. This example shows a wonderful design that is likely to be non-metal carved incorporating two separate faces or and also be interpreted as a single face with a small figure standing atop the face. An excellent deep brown / red patina from generations of use.
A small segment of the lower quarter of the object has been professionally restored.
Possibly Elema People
Eastern Papuan Gulf
19th / early 20th Century.
Height 41Cm.
Custom Mounted.

References
Bull-Roarers of the Papuan Gulf. 1936. F.E.Williams.