LARGE REFINED 18TH-19TH C.  TONGAN POLE CLUB

Origin:  W. Polynesia, Tonga    (Provenance:  Ex. Collection of Lawrence Bishop.  During the 1980's Lawrence worked for the Hemmeter corporation, traveling all over the world with Chris Hemmeter purchasing Tribal and Asian Art for corporate installations for the firm.  He is perhaps best known for the Polynesian Art he acquired for Hemmeter which was later published in the book "Art of Polynesian,  Selections from the Hemmeter Collection of Polynesian Art".  The text was written by John Edler with an essay by Dr. Terence Barrow.

Period/Date: 18th- Early 19th Century

Materials:  Casuarina iron wood, traces of lime

Description:  Note, this club was challenging to photograph. More photos especially of its rounded top portion will be added next week when its custom bronze stand is completed.   From all indications its carving style suggests that it was made just before Captain Cook's first voyage (pre-1770) since carving styles changed there after.  It is an exceptionally LARGE and HEAVY example making it a special.  It is completely carved with a level of precision and virtuosity seldom seen, especially on a "pole club"!   For example, there is a 17 inch span of perfect "spiral carving" along the handgrip that is truly stunning in its quality and execution.  It has the old style recessed pierced lug on the butt as opposed to being relief-carved.  The club is clearly very early, however, it doesn't show much use, suggesting to me that it was commissioned as a "presentation piece" for an important person or special occasion.  In excellent condition with a shallow old chip on the rim of the handgrip. 

Dimensions:   Length 45.25"  (114.5 cm), Width 2.25"  (6 cm)

Price:  SOLD