Daily 2013
Read MoreVillager with large ceremonial axe, Bonarua Is, Brumer Islands, PNG
The axe is probably made from the mineral jadeite, and has an intricately carved wooden handle. It is greatly treasured on the island.
Ground stone axes and adzes are still in use by the people of some of the smaller islands of Melanesia and Micronesia. The hard stone is ground on a riverine rock with the help of water until it has the desired shape. It is then fixed to a natural grown angled wood handle with resin and plant fibers. The shape and manufacture of these axes and adzes is similar to those found from the Neolithic stone age in Europe. Certain ceremonial crafts such as making canoes, ceremonial shields, masks, drums, containers or communal houses, etc,. may require the use of traditional-made stone implements.
A wide angle lens with flash fill (FF) was essential for photographs taken in the close confines of the village shelters.
16 mm, 1/60 sec; f/7.1; ISO 640, FF
Donna McCommon
on May 8, 2013Nice portrait!
DreamCatcherPhotography
on May 7, 2013Beautiful image! They seem so willing to have their photo taken. The axe is gorgeous.
John E Enterline
on May 7, 2013Great family shot and beautiful colors
keyphoto
on May 7, 2013Very nice image. The fill flash works very well!
cjainmd
on May 7, 2013Nice jounalistic picture! Lovely ceremonial Axe!
jmannimages
on May 7, 2013Love their expressions - I wonder how long it takes to make an axe like that - the handle is so cool!
Ed Murray
on May 7, 2013Terrific shot - great expressions
DycasStudios & CaseyElizabethPhotography
on May 7, 2013Excellent shot and story.
arctangent
on May 7, 2013This is so great. The man understands the importance of the object and takes pride in it. The older child (a girl?) seems to realize it is worth showing the axe off, but might not understand it deserves a certain reverential treatment. The younger child seems confused by the posing going on, or the situation in general.
papamugger
on May 7, 2013awesome portriats