Ula tavatava or Throwing Clubs from Fiji
Polynesian culture is traditionally a culture of power and prestige, and there was a fine line between battle and ceremony. Warrior people par excellence, the Fijians had at their disposal a large panoply of weapons, each for a specific use.
The Ula throwing clubs come in many different shapes and sizes and were worn on the belt by warriors.
The clubs in we present all have a beautiful deep patina and markings that attest to their great age.
We are grateful to our dear friend Mr. Peter van Drumpt for his assistance writing the texts.
A Polynesian hardwood Ula tavatava or throwing war club
Fiji, probably 18th century
H. 42 cm
Overall densely decorated with dotted pattern. The bulbous end at the top with a stone that seems to be grown in the tree. With a deep dark warm brown patina of usage and age.
Provenance:
Private collection, France
A Polynesian hardwood Ula tavatava or throwing war club
Fiji, probably 18th century
H. 44 cm
The brown patina almost black of age, the shaft beneath the top decorated with dots all around (possibly kill marks).
Provenance:
Private collection, France
A Polynesian Ula tavatava or throwing club with three teeth
Fiji, 18th century
L. 38.5 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, Italy
A Fijian throwing club or Ula
Polynesia, 18th century or earlier
The handle elaborately carved, the head bulbous and ribbde, overall with a dark brown-black patina.
L. approx. 40 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, United Kingdom
A Fijian throwing club or Ula
Fiji, 18th century
The handle elaborately carved, the head chipped, overall with a dark brown-black patina.
L. 40 cm
Provenance:
The estate of a Morayshire Family, United Kingdom