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| 19TH C. FIJIAN POLE CLUB
Dimensions:Height 31"
From a US collection
sku # P17
Polynesia, Fiji (possibly Samoa) (Provenance: Previously in an old Collection in Florida)
Superb pole club called a ("gadi", "mada", or "moivi") has a cylindrical shaft which transitions into a square head flaring at the top. Mid 19th century and features chip-carved geometric decoration covering two thirds of its surface. In some areas the carving is exceedingly small and intricate. There is a singular very intriguing stylized human figure "glyph" located in a band about 2 inches above where the carving terminates at the handle. The figure appears to be female (?) and has sharp angular features. The club still retains its pierced lug at the butt of its handle. The shaft has a slight curve to it. The carving on its flat top was laid out and begun but was ultimately left unfinished. The club has obviously seen a lot of traditional use and has some old loss and chips around the edges as would be expected on an old weapon. Dark rich glossy patina from age and use (no varnish of any kind).
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| FIJIAN CULACULA CLUB
Dimensions: Height 41", Width 5" Provenance: Ex- Cook Museum, Australia, Ex private West Australian Collection
sku # P06
This early example is slightly shorter than usual with deep glossy patina, collected in the late 1800's, has it "wings" on the first 1/3 section of it's length. Said to be of Tongan or Samoan origin, some of the oldest surviving Fijian clubs are of the Culucula type. This war clubs were used as broad swords, the sharp edges on the very hard wood, have been sufficient to snap, if not cut through bone. This piece lacks the rounded basal knob like the kiakovo clubs, but in it's place is fine and worn incised markings of Fijian origin, below this the collection number looks to be like H 52 (?) : Provenance: Ex- Cook Museum, Australia. A very similar reference is in the book Fijian Artifacts - Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Collection - Rod Ewins page 44.
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| FIJIAN POLE CLUB
Dimensions:Height 36"
sku # P15
Superb pole club with cylindrical shaft .Mid 19th century and features chip-carved geometric decoration covering one quarter of its surface. The shaft has a slight curve to it on the top This club has obviously seen a lot of traditional use and has some old loss and chips around the edges as would be expected on an old weapon. Dark rich glossy patina from age and use.
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| FIJIAN SCEPTER
Dimensions: Height 46"
sku # P07
A very rare Fijian Scepter, not club. This is not detailed in any books I have seen. Early 19th Cent piece.
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| WHALE TOOTH NECKLACE "TABUA"
Dimensions: Height 7", Width 3.25 (Tooth Only).
Provenance: From a Australian Collection
sku # M064
Also known as a "Tabua", a sperm whale tooth, with two drill holes, one on each end, suspended by a "necklace" of braided sennit (palm fiber) which is attached to the tapered holes on each end of the tooth.. In the Fiji Islands the characteristic manifestation is the tabua, signifying wealth and status for the owner.
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