#14  LONG SLENDER 18TH-19TH C. FIJIAN "ULA" W/ BLACKENED PATINA

Origin: W. Polynesia, Fiji   (Provenance: Purchased by a client in 2004 from Patrick Morgan (Paris) during the 2004 San Francisco Tribal Arts Show.  Old French Collection.)

Period/Date:  Likely 18th Century 

Materials:  root of a shrub

Description:  This "Ula"  is among the most elegant and tactile examples in the group!  It has a number of desirable features which make it special.  It has an uncommonly long and thin shaft, GORGEOUS  dark rich color turning from deep red to black, and is silky smooth to the touch.  Judging from the extensive wear seen on the incised "tavatava"  handgrip there is reason to believe the club is very early.  Its head has five very fluid free-form lobes with a raised top knob.  This one is sexy and is a magnificent quality example of its type which is even better than the photos suggest.  

Dimensions:   Length 17"  (43 cm), Width 4"  (11 cm)

Price:   SOLD