SOLOMON ISLAND MALAITA JANUS-FACED CLUB

Origin:  Melanesia, Solomon Islands, Malaita  Provenance:  In February we purchased a 350+ piece collection of African and Oceanic art from an English Gentlemen in Suffolk UK.  According to him he purchased this comb among a group of Solomon items at Christies London in the late 1980's

Period/Date:  Circa 1900 or before

Materials:  Hardwood, lime

Description:  A classic Malaita club "afui" featuring incised decoration.  The long relief-carved projections divide the club creating stylized faces.  Only the sides of the club were used to strike an opponent, not the delicate projections.  In good condition with some minor old chips and dings.  There is a natural divot in the wood on one side.  Recently these clubs began selling for large sums at auction, probably due to their modern interoperation of the human form appealing to contemporary art enthusiasts.  Presented on a custom metal display stand.

Dimensions:   Height 41.5"  (105 cm), Width 2.5"  (6.5 cm)

Reduced Price:  $1800      Currency Conversion    FREE SHIPPING With (Buy Now) Feature!

Note:  The club comes with an attached printed photo of a Malaita Chief originally taken by C.W. Collinson