Rare Antique 19th C. Fiji Fijian Wood Knot Club Ula Tavatava Engraved Handle

Description

I found this item among some very primitive kitchen utensils. The club has significant age based on patina and craftsmanship. I did some research and added information below. Measured as 14" long with engraved handle as shown. There is a very old rose head style nail that has been put into the bulb top as shown. This may have been to secure the handle. There are some small marks to top perhaps from kitchen use. The handle has a crack in it as shown. The head of the club is made from very dense and hard wood that feels like knots. I have been buying and selling primitive utensils for a great number of years and have never seen another like it. Great opportunity for the right buyer.
Found comparable information of similar item:
Extremely rare Fijian war throwing club ( Ula Tavatava ) from circa 19th century
. The Fijian war club or Ula has an exceptionally deep and glossy patina that makes its significant age very clear. Kaeppler 2010 ( P.232) Illustrates that similar Ula's with similar patina and style date from the late 18th to early 19th century.
Such clubs were carved from the buttress roots of ironwood
saplings. They were worn by warrior on their waistband and then thrown, at great precision at the skull of their assailants. They were well known weapons to the early
European
explorers and many had Ula's hurled at them, they were known for their great speed and precision. Many other
Polynesian
tribes used war and throwing clubs but none so as extensively as the Fijians.
The handle of the Ula is carved with the parallel zig zag lines knows at 'Tavatava' which allowed the warrior to grip it firmly before throwing it. The club measures approximately 14" with the zig zag 'Tavatava' grip for the last 5"of the handle and the round club head being 4" in width.
The club is an excellent example of the an iconic tribal weapon and wouldn't be out of place in a museum.