About this lot
Description
A Fijian club 'Gugu' or 'Siriti', 19th century or earlier,
perhaps Vitilevu Island, constructed of heavy dark red wood, possibly nokonoko, the flat blade carved in low relief with abstract designs, the shorter edge centrally carved with the standing figure of a man with outheld hands, the cylindrical shaft with a basal grip enriched with incised zig-zag design, the shaft with old patina
105cm long
The form of the blade of this club comes from the shape of a flat butterfly fish - Gugu. For a similar club sold at auction see Bonhams - African, Oceanic and Pre-Colombian Art, 11th November 2019, New York, Lot 274 - where that club is described as a Priest's or a Chief's club.
Crack running from blade 23cm long. Splits in two areas along the blade, one 12.5cm drying crack running towards the collar. Some paint residue. Head with slight chips on the angle. Shaft with closed crack. Some bruising. End of the handle with old drying crack.
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