A Tongan paddle club of elegant proportion and design. It is entirely carved with typical Tongan geometric designs, varying throughout the shaft and paddle sections. Of particular interest are the two transverse ridges defining the terminus of the shaft and distinctly different geometric motifs on each side of the upper sections, again, typical of Tongan work. A few of these motifs (the concentric diamonds) are identical to documented Tongan clubs collected in the 1830’s – 1840. It is also similar in overall design and construction to Oldman plate 52, #509, sans inlay. This piece has a medium brown patina, with in situ wear and very minor deficiencies consistent with a club experiencing actual use and application