Lot 29B
Oceania, Fiji, ca. 19th century CE. A striking Fijian hardwood cali (also known as sali or tebetebe) club, its distinctive form characterized by a broad, angled striking head with textured cross-hatched decoration and a long, tapering shaft. Fashioned from dense, durable ironwood, the weapon combines elegance of form with formidable striking power. Although sometimes called "gunstock" clubs due to their superficial resemblance to rifles - predating the introduction of firearms to the region - cali were specifically designed for delivering powerful cutting and disjointing blows in combat. The name sali derives from its resemblance to the clawed flower of the sali plant (genus Musa, banana family), a botanical reference that underscores the weapon's organic inspiration. This example, of slightly smaller proportions, may have been intended for ceremonial use, perhaps wielded by a boy during initiation rites or in ritual dances. Size: 27" L x 5.6" W x 1.1" H (68.6 cm x 14.2 cm x 2.8 cm)
The combination of well-preserved carving, smooth patina from long handling, and the striking geometric decoration on the head speaks to both the symbolic and functional importance of such clubs in Fijian culture, where they served not only as weapons of war but as markers of rank, heritage, and ceremonial authority.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, purchased January 2002; ex-James Economos Works of Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-collection of Kevin Conru, London, UK
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195969
- Condition: Chipping to head and end of handle. Expected surface wear with nicks and abrasions in areas, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with good remaining detail and rich patina to wood.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |