Club, Fiji

gata

Lynda Cunningham, New York

Good condition overall. Some minor nicks, chips, scratches and thin hairline cracks scattered throughout. The spur of the club, which was used to strike during combat, shows several losses to the edges, most notably the proper left side, and general wear. Several smaller losses and impact marks to the face at the end of the club, as visible in the catalogue illustration (detail). Fine dark patina. Has wall mount.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The spur of this type of club 'perhaps represents the gaping jaws of a striking gata or Pacific Boa' (Clunie, Fijian Weapons and Warfare, 1977, p. 53). The presence of a face at the end of the club's head is rare; see Clunie, Yalo i Viti, 1986, p. 113, cat. no. 183 for a similar club in the Fiji Museum, Suva (acc. no. 83.69WR). Also rare are the divided circle motifs which appear both on the blade of the club and within the tavatava grip carving. 

The small holes in the blade would have been strung with thin black waloa creepers, which were generally reserved for men of chiefly rank. Discussing one of the exceptionally rare clubs with a 'helmet' like head, Hooper notes that such attachments would have caused an intentional distraction 'in dance or in combat'. (Hooper, Fiji, 2016, p. 259).