Paddle club "culacula" · Fidji Islands · ID: 3051383
Description
wood, base
From the earliest reports, Fiji was characterised as having endemic warfare, the causes of which ranged from raiding for sacrificial victims to disputes over chiefly precedence, women and land. Fiji also produced the greatest variety of weapons including clubs, of any Oceanic culture.
These Fijian “culacula” clubs were a fierce battle weapon. The spade shape head has two striking edges, each stepped cutting serrations. It’s said these edges were capable of cutting through bone.
The object Paddle club “culacula” with the object ID 3051383 was last part of the auction Auction 103 at November 16, 2024 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 69.
You can find more Paddles and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on Oceanian art.
Comparing literature
Hooper, Steven (ed.), Power and Prestige. The Art of Clubs in Oceania, Exhibition catalogue, Venice 2021, p. 196 f.
Exhibition
Schwaz, Austria, Haus der Völker: "Südsee - Schätze der dunklen Inseln", 15. Mai 2005 - 18. September 2005