Three I Ula Tavatava Throwing Clubs

Fiji
Hardwood
Probably early voyager period, circa 1800-1830
16.75 x 3 x 3.5 in ( 42.5 x 7.5 x 9 cm)
$3000
(only offered as a group)

Made from the sacred Vesi wood, with a root ball at one end and fine geometric patterns at the other, quite possibly carved with a rat’s tooth. We note dots carved under the ball that may indicate the number of kills. Fijian warriors were expert marksmen, with their throwing clubs, ula, capable of striking the back of the head of a running enemy at a long distance, causing him to collapse.