Oceania, Polynesia, Fiji Islands, ca. 19th century CE. An intimidating throwing club known as an ula kitu (also i ula kitu) carved from hard, red-brown wood that is covered in lustrous patina. The dense shaft features a slightly corseted midsection and a thick handle perfect for gripping, aiming, and hurling the weapon forward. A spherical striking head sits atop the shaft with a squat finial on top and bears evidence of countless impacts across its faces. Throwing clubs like this example were meant to be hung on a warrior's belt when not in use as a sign of prestige and bravery in battle. Size: 3.25" W x 16.5" H (8.3 cm x 41.9 cm); 18" H (45.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#135658
Condition
Nicks to handle butt, head, and finial, with several stable fissures, and areas of impact damage to head commensurate with use, otherwise intact and very good. Lustrous brown patina throughout. Old inventory label on head.