AN INCREDIBLE RARE EARLY 19TH CENTURY FIJIAN \'TOTOKIA\' CLUB WITH INLAID \'EYES\'
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AN INCREDIBLE RARE EARLY 19TH CENTURY FIJIAN \'TOTOKIA\' CLUB WITH INLAID \'EYES\':
$3036.44
An absolutely incredible, early 19th Century Fijian \'Totokia\', clubof truly wonderful colour and condition, with the usual marks, scratches, chips and other superficial defects consistent with its age and as one would expect from such a weapon of this period which can be clearly seen in the images. The \'Totokia\', beaked battle-hammer is widely considered to be the most desirable of all the Fijian clubs. Carried by Chiefs and the most infamous of warriors, the clubs themselves wouldachievegreat recognition in their own right, becoming imbued with,\'mana\', from their exploits and victories they were bestowed their own names, spoken with reverence and respect.These symbols of power andprestige would usually be passed down through generations of the same family and Chiefs were often buried with theirs. This variety of club was designed to drive or, \'peck\', a neat hole through anenemy\'s skull, the weight of the head being concentrated in the point of the beak. The weapon was favoured due to its effectiveness when compared to othervarieties of club as its beak could be driven through a skull, causing instant death without a long warning swing likely to alert the target or possibly catch on undergrowth. The \'Totokia was the weapon of choice in murder, to dispatch wounded enemies on the battlefield and to execute criminal offenders. This example displays a highly unusual element to the head which appears to have been designed to resemble a rather disturbing face, the beak of the club obviously representing the nose it clearly has two eyes which contain a white inlay of some description, one of which may possibly be missing, I almost think you can just see it however I am reluctant to disturb the ancient grime obscuring the opening. The beautifully decorated zigzag \'tavatava\' handgrip of the shaft is well worn from from use denoting a long period offaithful service. The club measures approximately 34 1/2 inches in length, 3 3/4 inches across the head and comes from an old private collection. Please see my other sales for more quality items currently available from my lifelong collection.
AN INCREDIBLE RARE EARLY 19TH CENTURY FIJIAN \'TOTOKIA\' CLUB WITH INLAID \'EYES\':
$3036.44