Quiver of Poison Arrows
19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The poison used was probably derived from Antiaris toxicaria a tree well known among the forest inhabitants of South East Asia. The tree has many uses from simple shade to nutrient rich leaf litter, dyes from the bark and traditional medicines from the leaves and roots. The latex sap contains a cardiac glycoside called antiarin with heart arresting potential. In Javanese tradition Antiaris toxicaria is used with an extract derived from the seeds of the St. Ignatius bean tree Strychnos ignatii to make arrow poison called upas.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 21 parts.
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| Brief description | Wickerwork quiver containing 20 cane arrows with palm leaf flights, some poison tipped, Assam, 19th century |
| Physical description | Wickerwork quiver containing 20 cane arrows with palm leaf flights, some poison tipped |
| Dimensions | |
| Credit line | Transferred from the India Museum in 1879 |
| Historical context | One of a number of sets of poisoned arrows and darts used by jungle dwellers of S E Asia for hunting and warfare. The poisons are usually derived from plant extracts taken from lianas and other vegetation. They act on the nervous system causing muscular convulsions, paralysis and death. Delivery via arrow or dart is almost silent while the poison breaks down in the target making it a very effective means of stealthily hunting out of reach prey in the jungle canopy. |
| Production | Used by the Abors Transferred from the India Museum to South Kensington Museum in 1879 |
| Summary | The poison used was probably derived from Antiaris toxicaria a tree well known among the forest inhabitants of South East Asia. The tree has many uses from simple shade to nutrient rich leaf litter, dyes from the bark and traditional medicines from the leaves and roots. The latex sap contains a cardiac glycoside called antiarin with heart arresting potential. In Javanese tradition Antiaris toxicaria is used with an extract derived from the seeds of the St. Ignatius bean tree Strychnos ignatii to make arrow poison called upas. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Other numbers |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 2910(IS) |
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| Record created | March 6, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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