Quiver of monkey hide? containing 22 cane and palm leaf arrows, probably Burma, 19th century

Quiver of monkey hide ? or undressed goat-skin,with shoulder-sling of the same skin tied to the quiver by strings of twisted fibre, containing 22 (or 21?) cane and palm leaf arrows.
Rectangular; ovoid in section. The opening is covered with a semi-circular flap. The hair side of the skin is turned outward; stitched with leather thongs. The thin straight arrows are pointed, and the ends are flighted with thin strips of bamboo cane, twisted to form a triangle and inserted into a groove in the shaft. The end of the arrows is then tied with cotton thread.

Given by Lady Chelmsford, 116 Eaton Square, S.W.1

Given by Lady Chelmsford, 116 Eaton Square, S.W.1. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

R.P. 1921-6878

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.

Used by the Karens

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.

IM.8-1922