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AEDTwo Pig-Killer Hammers
About Seller
20 Beach Street
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
United States
At Nye & Company, what you like is all you need to know. Knowledgeable, helpful staff members, as well as nationally-known experts, work together to find the antiques and collectibles that will become your children’s heirlooms, all within your budget. John and Kathleen Nye acquired Dawson’s after hi...Read more
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About Auction
LiveMay 1, 2026
Chic & Antique Auction: Including Property from the Collection of William and Meryl Russell, New Jersey May 1st, 2026 | Auction Begins at 10am Nye & Co. info@nyeandcompany.com
View Full Catalog (370)
- Lot Description
Two Pig-Killer Hammers
Two pig-killer hammers called “at(t)ata, Ambrym island, Vanuatu. Two old hammer for killing pigs during ceremonial feasts. One has a light honey patina and the second a shining black one. Some traces of use, little missing and cracks.
Both shape like a 7 and are adorned with human heads : one on the upside of the hammer for the black one and two as Janus on the honey-patina one. Heads are the schematic representation of ancestors. On the Janus headed hammer, the edges are serrated in the usual Vanuatu style of Ambrym Is.
These hammers were used during the ceremony of grade taking : pigs (animal with a great symbolic and important value) are sacrificed during a feast in which the initiate purchase a rank of higher status. This grade shows to other the social importance and the individual who buys it and assures his destiny in the afterlife.Selected bibliography :
- A.J.P. MEYER, Oceanic Art, Könemann, Cologne, 1995 ; pp. 422-423
For comparison :
Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac (Paris) : 72.1962.1.34 & 72.1966.16.8
Nye & Company would like to provide thanks to Nicolas Corigliano for this catalogue entry.
Largest: 32 1/2 x 11 x 3 in. (82.6 x 27.9 x 7.6 cm.)Condition
Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. We also recommend asking for a shipping quote before bidding.
CASH, CASHIER CHECK, MONEY ORDER, AND WIRE TRANSFER ARE THE ONLY METHODS OF PAYMENT ACCEPTED FOR JEWELRY.
- Shipping Info
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Shipping: We are now working with The Packengers, you will be emailed a shipping quote within 7 days after the auction. You can also reach out to them at hellonyc@thepackengers.com You can also contact: Pack Ship N More packshipnmore1@gmail.com PH: 973.443.0100 If you have any questions, please contact ron@nyeandcompany.com We are unable to ship furniture or large/ornate items. Please contact ron@nyeandcompany.com for any questions or clarifications. Furniture Delivery Options: -Larry Smith (Delivers all over USA) Veteran Transport Based out of Killeen, TX lsmithvfc@gmail.com 830-339-1146 -Scott Cousins (Delivers all over USA) Scott Cousins Moving Based out of Massachusetts Scottcousins22@aol.com 978-491-9353 -Outward Bound Courier Logistics Ben & Alan Anderson Based in western MA. Services New England, east coast states and as far west as Chicago. Excellent for Large, Small, & Fragile Items Outwardboundcl@yahoo.com 413-854-3676 -Ed Tabler (Delivers all over US) Superior Transfer Based in New Jersey superiorservice1986@gmail.com 973-368-7787 Local Courier Services: Homeward Bound 4 U Homewardbound4u247@gmail.com Contact: Christian or Mallerie (973) 885-2854 Vinesha Jadunandan (Local Northeast Deliveries/Florida) J&R Express Movers Based in NJ jadu.r.express@gmail.com 917-637-0450 Other Shipping Options: -Sure Express Worldwide - judy@sureexpress.com, 800-335-9996 Please note: Nye & Company is not affiliated with any of these companies, directly. They are people or companies we have used in the past and with whom we have had success. All responsibility and liability fall to each individual or company expressed above. Nye & Company will not be held responsible for damage to items during transport.
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