19th C. Fijian Hardwood Kiakavo / Dance Club

Oceania, Polynesia, Fiji Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A gorgeous dance club known as a kiakavo with a distinctive curving form with a protruding secondary head spur on top. The lengthy hilt and shaft maintain a straight profile until the curved head, and the space between the spur and the front head - known as the teretere - is what differentiates this club from similar types of war clubs known as gata or sali. Known also as gunstock clubs, these dance clubs could also be used for war as the size made it a formidable weapon. The upper body is wrapped with twisted fibers meant to increase the grip of the wielder, whether dancer or warrior, and the entire club is enveloped with rich patina. Size: 1.5" W x 33.125" H (3.8 cm x 84.1 cm)

For three similar examples of kiakavo, please see The Bowers Museum, accession numbers 97.138.13, 97.138.17, and 2015.17.10

Provenance: private Northern California, USA collection; deaccessioned from the De Young, San Francisco Fine Art Museum

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#153385
Condition Report: Nicks to lower pommel end, with minor abrasions to handle body and head, and light loosening to some braided fibers on midsection, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout.