Maori Short Weapon, New Zealand

Reportedly James Hooper, Arundel
John J. Klejman, New York
Frieda and Milton Rosenthal, Harrison, acquired from the above on January 3, 1975
Sotheby's, New York, the Collection of Frieda and Milton Rosenthal: African and Oceanic Art, November 14, 2008, lot 110
Jacqueline Fowler, Connecticut, acquired at the above auction

Good condition for an object of this type and age. Marks, nicks, scratches and abrasions throughout consistent with age and use. Some dark scratches and open age cracks; two age cracks with narrow wax fill. Very minor old chips. Old handwritten paper label (Klejman) Fine varied medium brown colour. Varnished.
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.

Although generally described as a club, this form of short weapon, wahaika, was not used as a bludgeon but with a thrusting and cleaving movement that was highly effective in the close quarter fighting favored by Maori. The butt of the club, reke, is carved with a head, whilst a finely carved figure appears above the handle - a characteristic features of wahaika. Like other weapons, wahaika also appeared "in ceremony and speech making [...] used by rangatira [hereditary chiefs] to accentuate the delivery of particular points." (Evans, Maori Weapons in Pre-European New Zealand, Auckland, 2002, p. 38).