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Sumpitan Blowgun, Darts, and Quiver, Original |
1SABLOWGUN001A
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Believed to be from the region of Borneo, this "blow-pipe/blow-gun" or "sumpitan" (or "pucuna" in South America) comes with a dart-quiver and ~20 darts. Blowgun is ~108-1/2" in overall length including mouthpiece that measures ~2-1/4" long x ~2" in diameter. Shaft diameter averages ~7/8", larger towards the mouthpiece, diminishing towards the muzzle. Appears to be made of a cane-like material, perhaps ironwood; dark in coloration. Darts average ~17" in length and are about toothpick diameter; fletching is a cotton-like material in the shape of a swab. Quiver is manufactured of either a thin folded bark or leafy material, wrapped in twine and throat is framed in a straw-like material.
"Many savage tribes still make use of the poisonous arrow. The Dyak uses a sumpitan, or blow-tube, which is about seven feet long, and having a bore of about half an inch. Through this he blows his long, thin dart, anointed on the head with some vegetable poison. Braidwood speaks of the physiologic action of Dajaksch, an arrow-poison used in Borneo. Arnott has made observations relative to a substance produced near Aden, which is said to be used by the Somalies to poison their arrows. Messer of the British Navy has made inquiries into the reputed poisonous nature of the arrows of the South Sea Islanders" - source Arrow-Wounds
Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine
by George M. Gould, M.D., Walter L. Pyle, M.D.
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