Priest or Chief's Club, Fiji

Irish Private Collection

Very good condition overall for an object of this age and type. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions and small chips in places, consistent with use and age. Some minor vertical age cracks in places and a few small knots in the wood, the largest to the carved grip. Some scuffs and stains. Exceptionally fine, deep and varied patina, with black-brown and reddish-brown tones and some encrustation in places. Has custom stand.
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.

This club is of the type known as siriti, which, like the closely related gugu, incorporates a stylized design of a fish, from which the name of the club derives. The siriti is generally larger and has a straighter head than the gugu. Both forms contrast a finely decorated head with a shaft which is almost invariably plain; here the bottom of the club is carved with a grip in the characteristic tavatava style. Steven Hooper notes that "such clubs are considered to come from the interior of Viti Levu and to have been a special club for use in dances rather than combat. They invariably have a polished dark patina." (Hooper, Fiji: Art and Life in the Pacific, Norwich, 2016, p. 256). The deep, dark patina of this old club suggests that it was long exposed to the oily smoke of a Fijian bure kalou, or spirit house.