Zemanek-Münster

Pole club "bowai"

Fidji Islands
sold EUR 1,500
Provenance
Alexander Kubetz, Munich, Germany
Size
L: 104 cm
L: 40.9 inch

Description

hard wood,

These massive clubs made of extremely heavy wood were designed to smash skulls with one blow (“head-breaker” club). They were favored by Fijian and Tongan warriors.

From the earliest reports, Fiji was characterized 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.


Comparing literature

Kaeppler, Adrienne, Polynesia, Honolulu 2010, p. 240, ill. 125 ff.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Join over 10,000 tribal art collectors. Don't miss out on upcoming news and auctions.

Subscribe today