Lot 28B
Oceania, Melanesia, Fiji, ca. 19th century CE. A traditional Fijian club, hand-carved from dense hardwood and shaped in the form of a rifle stock - commonly referred to as a cali, tebetebe, or "gunstock club" - an iconic weapon design that predates the arrival of firearms yet closely mimics their silhouette. This example features a broad, flat head incised with a crosshatched pattern, with a pronounced upward-curving spur above the blade. These clubs served both practical and ceremonial roles. Remarkably, their forms were often cultivated directly from living trees - ridges and contours shaped by binding or striking the tree as it grew, encouraging a naturally curved profile that reduced the need for extensive carving. Intended for close-quarters combat, they were capable of delivering powerful, disjointing blows, while also functioning as visible symbols of rank and martial prestige. The surface of this example exhibits a glossy, silky patina from age and prolonged handling. Size: 41" L x 11" W (104.1 cm x 27.9 cm)
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#195959
- Condition: Old chips and losses to the edges of blade and spur. Scratches on the shaft. Lustrous and smooth patina. Overall excellent.
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