Rare leaf-shaped club

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Description

hardwood, reddish brown patina, human hair,

A beautiful club with a particularly striking and unique shape, which, according to Felix Speiser, was only found on Pentecost Island (Speiser, Ethnology of Vanuatu, An Early Twentieth Century Study, Honolulu, 1996, p. 207).

The club was carved from a single piece of hardwood into an elegant elongated leaf form. The conical-shaped butt is wrapped with a human hair string undoubtedly so your hand won’t slip when sweaty (Oceanic Arts Australia).

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Comparing literature

Hooper, Steven (ed.), Power and Prestige. The Art of Clubs in Oceania, Exhibition catalogue, Venice 2021, p. 230 f.

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