Throwing Club, Fiji

I Ula Tavatava Vonotabua

Stolper's Antiques, Nyack, New York
Marshall Mount, New York, acquired from the above in 1951
Acquired by the present owner from the above

Very good condition overall, wear consistent with age and use within the traditional context. Some small chips, nicks, and losses in places, including a few to the base of the shaft. A stable crack between two of the lobes of the head. Silky red-brown patina.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Fergus Clunie (1977: 60) notes: "One to three throwing clubs were worn in the warrior's waistband, often at the back, being thrust through his girdle like a brace of pistols, of which they were roughly the Fijian equivalent; being essentially a close range projectile weapon carried in addition to a heavier weapon, ready to hand as the situation demanded."

Throwing clubs, i ula, were invariably made of a single piece of wood, usually an uprooted shrub. The present lot is an i ula tavatava, the form identifiable by its "elegant fluted head" (loc. cit.). The club is inlaid with shell and ornaments fashioned from sperm whale teeth. These marine ivory inlays were prestigious trade items from Tonga, and were also set into the magnificent civavonovono breastplates worn by Fijian chiefs. The presence of such inlays here is a sign that this club has achieved great status and mana, a power and life force of its own.