South Pacific, Polynesia, Fiji Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A fine example of the distinctive double-headed kiakavo war club with a polished surface and a scored area on the underside of the curved head. This style is sometimes called a "snake" type club with "waka kiakavo". A raised ridge is formed between the striking head and the spur-shaped head. The entire surface is highly polished, with a deliberately recessed and rougher area left under the chin of the snake head to symbolize the sharpened blade of an axe. The lower body is wrapped with twisted and braided coconut fibers meant to increase the grip of the wielder, whether dancer or warrior, and the entire club is enveloped with rich patina. These weapons had both ceremonial and functional roles, and their forms were cultivated from living trees. The ridges were beaten into the tree while it was still growing to allow the curved shape to arise "naturally" instead of having to be later carved. Lacking a true cutting edge, this distinctive weapon was mainly used in dance performances. Size: 9" L x 3" W x 42" H (22.9 cm x 7.6 cm x 106.7 cm)
Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010
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.
#163914
Condition
Nicks chips, and surface abrasions consistent with age and use. Minor losses to fiber wrappings. Old museum label on surface and stamped numbers into surface of wood. Smooth patina.