Oceania, Fiji Islands, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful example of the distinctive double-headed sali war club. Sometimes referred to as "cali," "tebetebe," or "gunstock clubs," this style of war club is recognizable based on the striking head's wide cheeks as well as a pronounced spur situated above. The entire surface is highly polished which imbues the finely-incised linear and geometric motifs cross-hatched into the club face and partway down the handle with a greater sense of definition. Weapons like this have 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 cutting edge, this weapon was likely used in either close combat or in dance performances. Size: 7" W x 32" H (17.8 cm x 81.3 cm); 33.5" H (85.1 cm) on included custom stand.
For a similar example, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1979.206.1390: https://metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/313583
A similar example hammered for $13,750 at Sotheby's, New York "African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art" Auction (May 14, 2010, lot 71): http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2010/african-oceanic-and-pre-columbian-art-n08638/lot.71.html
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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#135755
Condition
Rich patina on surface. Tiny chips and nicks but overall in excellent condition.