“ula Tavatava” Throwing Club – Fiji Islands

“Ula Tavatava” throwing club – Fiji Islands Powerful throwing club with a head decorated with a ribbed crown, the handle engraved with traditional geometric patterns.
The handle bears an old label in English with the following words:
“Chieftain's sing(-) hanled club. Pumpkin Type Heavily Incised. Fiji. Late 19th Century. Deceased Missionary Estate. I949 »
Very beautiful patina of use. These clubs were worn on the belt by warriors in the Fiji Islands. After throwing them, they hit their opponents with the handle, and not with the mace as one might imagine.
REGION: Fiji Islands
MATERIAL: Wood with dark brown patina
PERIOD: 19th century
LENGTH: approximately 43 cm
(Base included)
inventory number: OC002