19th C. Fijian Ula Tavatava Club

A 19th. Century Fijian throwing club (Ula Tava Tava) with a bulbous carved head and a slender integrated handle with a geometric design that helps the grip.  

Such clubs were carved from the buttress roots of ironwood saplings.

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"The club was the Fijian warrior's favourite weapon. He had his spears, from ten to fifteen feet long and often richly carved, efficient bows and arrows, and slings for throwing stones; but, although these had each its special use, none approached the club in popularity..." By R. A. DERRIK, Notes on Fijian Clubs.

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As you can see in the photographs the Ula has a crack that is caused by the passage of time and the hardness of the wood, very common in this type of clubs.

We can also appreciate the wear on the handle drawings due to use.

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Who sold me the club told me that his father bought it from the well-known collector and dealer René Withofs in Brussels in the 80´s. This is what he told me and I cannot prove it, but we also don't want that if it is true, do not miss its story. 

We can see in the last photo part of the collection of clubs that, very grateful, the heirs let us photograph.

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According to Phelps (1975: 181), "The Fijians developed a deadly form of projectile club...which was held by the handle butt and thrown with great power. The desired effect was to pierce the victim with the handle, the bulbous head only lending weight to the blow. Churchill saw a Fijian bury his ula up to the head in a pig at a distance of sixty-five feet."

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Measures, 40 cm long and 10 cm wide.

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