Scarce C. 1920's Trobriand Island Massim Kula Trade Dance Club

Description

Scarce C. 1920's Trobriand Island Massim Kula Trade Dance Club
Origin:  E. New New Guinea, Milne Bay, Trobriand Island, Massim People
Period/Date: First Quarter of the 20th C.
Materials: Hardwood, traces of lime infill
Description: This unique hardwood club is easily heavy enough to be lethal. However, its weight and long length would make it too difficult to swing quickly to fight an opponent. Also its shaft is not narrow enough to get a two handed separated grip for leverage. All this suggests it was primarily made as a Prestige Object, a Dance Club or Kula Wealth Object (likely all of the above). The numerous pierced holes would have been adorned and festooned with Kula trade shell wealth and beyond. Lovely scalloped incising along the edge. There are 4 regions of handsome horizontal bands (one on top and two above the handgrip). Ball shape handle pommel. In good condition with normal wear and use. No restoration. Note the photos don't reflect how it is darker brown in person and less red.
Dimensions:  Length 48” (122 cm), width 4.5” (11.5 cm)
Weight: 4lbs 8 oz