ROOTSTOCK CLUB
VUNIKAU. 19TH CENTURY, FIJI
African & Oceanic Art, Natural History and Ancient Art
Auction: 30 July 2025 from 14:00 BST
Description
carved wood and marine ivory, the handle with tavatava grip, the trimmed rootstock of a tree forming the head of the club, with nine marine ivory inserts in the form of a crescent moon and stars
Dimensions
98.9cm long
Provenance
Private collection, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Footnote
Vunikau means ‘root of tree’, which is the general name applied to this form of club, where the roots have been trimmed to form nubbins on the head. Some examples, such as the present piece, have ivory inlay, indicating not just the prevalence of warfare, but that they had far more complex roles than just to be wielded in combat. Their form and level of embellishment signalled the status and prowess of the owner. ‘Owner’ is a complex term, considering that such weapons were also utilised as important exchange valuations.
Hooper, S. (2016) Fiji: Art and Life in the Pacific, Norwich: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts