#1  18TH C. FIJIAN ULA W/ 31 KILL MARKS

Origin: W. Polynesia, Fiji   (Provenance: Ex. Casey and Laurie Conway Collection, Kingman Arizona.  Ex. David F. Rosenthal, San Francisco)

Period/Date: Late 18th-Early 19th century

Materials:  Hardwood (root of a shrub)

Description:  This ula has every desirable feature to make it a fantastic example!  Its lobed head is finely rendered with good symmetry.  Most importantly it has 31 original "hatch" or kill marks (3 sets of 10 + 1) as a testimony to its long history and effectiveness.   This no doubt would have imbued the club with significant "mana".  It has tremendous age, in fact so much that the incised tavatava comprising the hand grip is incredibly worn down from generations of handling.  It is presented on a custom metal display stand.  There is an age crack on one side of the head (see photo) and some very old loss around the handgrip.  Specimens like this are highly sought after.

Dimensions:   Height 17 3/8"  (44 cm), Width 4.25"  (11 cm)

Price:   SOLD