18th-19th C. Fijian Culacula Chief's War Club w/ Unique Glyph
18th-19th C. Fijian Culacula Chief's War Club w/ Unique Glyph
Origin: Western Polynesia, Fiji (Provenance: Recently found in a collection Silver Springs Maryland)
Period/Date: At least first quarter of the 19th century, likely older
Materials: heavy ironwood, casuarina
Description: A very handsome and high quality example of a completely carved "culacula" war club. It would have been an emblem of high status, rank and prestige. It exudes strong "mana" and antiquity when holding it. These were the property of Chief's and Priests. This particular one has seen generations of use. For example, there is significant wear and a change in the "depth" of the wood where it was carried most at the upper neck of the shaft! That kind of wear takes a very long time to happen. The unique glyph on the right side of the blade has delicate "bird heads" carved on each end. There are also three distinctive bowtie style glyphs. Its sides have nicely delineated teeth serrations and the club has overall rich color.
One of my favorite features is the raised vertical half inch wide ridges on both sides of the bade done in chevron motifs. On one side there is a natural dark knot in the wood that was incorporated into the design. There is a pierced hole on the blade below the side serrations that was for cordage, in order to it hang and store it. Perhaps a unique location tailored to its owner? Even the butt of the handle is carved in a leaf or Fern motif. In very good condition for its age. There is some very old gnawing on the carved raised horizontal ridge. Some loss to striking edges (from warfare use). This impressive club is sure to be a focal point in any collection of Oceanic or Polynesian art. A custom display stand maybe ordered for an additional fee.
Dimensions: Height 44.25” (112.5 cm), width 7 5/8” (19.5 cm)
SOLD