**Originally Listed At $1900**

Oceania, Fiji Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A fabulous example of a hand-carved wooden throwing club, known as an "I Ula Tavatava," one of the most important Fijian weapons. Created during a time when warfare was rampant, these clubs had to be sturdy enough to be thrown time and again at the enemy. This club features a stocky handle with a flared lower tip, a scalloped head with ten protruding vertical 'fins,' and a hemispherical top bulb. Dozens of intricate striations create geometric panels on the shoulder and form a gripping surface on the handle, and narrow strands of zigzagging striations decorate the bottom of the handle. Size: 15.875" L x 4.25" W (40.3 cm x 10.8 cm); 15.1" H (38.4 cm) on included custom stand.

A strikingly similar example, of a slightly larger size, hammered for $4,063 at Sotheby's, New York "The Collection of Frieda and Milton Rosenthal: African and Oceanic Art" auction (November 14, 2008, lot 108).

Provenance: private Nevada, USA collection

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#150093

Minor losses to head and top bulb commensurate with age, with minor abrasions to handle and head, and softening to some finer incised details, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and wonderful patina throughout.