Description:

Oceania, Melanesia / Polynesia, Solomon Islands, Rennell-Bellona, Rennell Island (Muguba), ca. mid-20th century CE. A beautiful and hefty hand club or mace made from hardwood, inlaid with nacre shells, and the handle wrapped in a sennit woven grip. The handle has an octagonal pommel with a braided suspension cord made from sennet palm fronds attached to a grip that covers most of the handle- an intricately woven panel made of light tan and deep brown rattan in a geometric pattern. The striking head is styled after a flowering plant- the finial comprised of 12 lobes or petals, each tip inlaid with a shimmering nacre disc and a triangular shard inlaid just above each and the center of the domed head contains a final nacre disc. Such clubs were carried by men as throwing weapons, but such a beautiful and later example may have functioned as a ritualistic and prestige item. Size: 17" L x 5.5" W (43.2 cm x 14 cm)

Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired prior to 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170223

  • Condition: Nacre on center of head is indented with stable fissures, rest of shells and wood are intact and excellent. Minor abrasions to wood and fraying to periphery of woven grip, but secure and great condition. Smooth and dark wood patina throughout.

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April 14, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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