Description:

Oceania, Polynesia, Fijian Islands, ca. 19th century CE. An expertly carved hardwood throwing club known as an ula kitu (also i ula kitu) with an inverted apple-shaped head bearing several oblong recesses across the surface. The tapered lower body gradually turns into a narrow, stocky handle capable of withstanding even the hardest of throws, and the bottom of the handle is adorned with incised zigzagging columns that increase the grip and control of the warrior and provide an attractive, personalized appeal. Lustrous red-brown patina has developed across the entire weapon. Size: 3.8" W x 16.3" H (9.7 cm x 41.4 cm)

Cf. The Auckland War Memorial Museum (Tamaki Paenga Hira), accession number 1972.166

A similar example hammered for $4,000 at Bonhams, Los Angeles "Embodiments of Power and Prestige: Exceptional Tribal Arms, Armor, and Textiles from a Private European Collection" auction (May 22, 2018, lot 24).

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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.

#159716

  • Condition: Several large cavities to head as part of overall design, with several stable hairline fissures to head and handle, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful patina and smooth surface textures throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

March 4, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000