Malaita Island baton.

[Tim Simmons]

This is my latest find, has taken a long time to acquire. I find it interesting how practically all cultures use the baton as a symbol of status or power. In this case it is a psychological weapon of violence and power. It is also a form of jewelry like medals. Worn hanging from the back of the neck between the shoulder blades. These links say more than I an able to type. They do offer similar but differing information. The first picture should be my new item. The other is taken from the Horniman collection.


http://catalogue.anthropologymuseum.uq.edu.au/item/4583
http://www.culturegrid.org.uk/search/6008744.html
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20157/lot/76/
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/baton-ceremoniel-ceremonial-baton

[Tim Simmons]

In the British Museum fouye. Baton.

[Battara]

These look more like septers or maces.

[VANDOO]

THESE SCEPTERS ARE VERY ATTRACTIVE AND SERVE AS A SYMBOL OF RANK, PRESTIGE AND POWER. THE ONES I HAVE SEEN WOULD MAKE A POOR WEAPON. THESE SCEPTERS AND SOME WALKING STICKS HAVE THE MOST SHELL INLAY OF ALL THE OBJECTS I HAVE SEEN FROM THE SOLOMON'S. UNFORTUNATELY I KNOW LITTLE OF THEIR HISTORY OR THE TIME PERIOD OF THEIR ORIGIN IN THE PRESENT FORM. THEY ARE NICE TO LOOK AT AND TO HOLD :cool:

[Tim Simmons]

At last I have it. It has to be the most exquisite piece in the collection. I admire to use of two tone of shell in the haft. The ball end is weighted I cannot tell if it is solid wood or not but I suspect it is a small pierced stone covered with parrinarium nut paste set with shell. It is the size as the examples shown in the links. Although worn hanging between the shoulder blades by Lamo {big men warriors} that do the necessary or desired killing to keep the status quo. It is a symbolic weapon. What pleased me the most is, unlike many of the old clubs with a good patina this piece does not show any metal tool marks.

Another link
http://www.artvalue.com/auctionresult--solomon-islands-culture-solomo-baton-1891287.htm

However metal tool marks should not put a collector off as metal is always eagerly sought after from the earliest western contact.

[VANDOO]

CONGRATULATIONS A VERY ELEGANT SCEPTER AND EVERYTHING IS INTACT WHICH IS UNUSUAL FOR THAT MUCH INLAY ON A OBJECT OF THAT AGE. AND I TRUST YOU GOT IT FOR MUCH LESS THAN THE SOUTHBYS ESTIMATE ON YOUR LINK. GOOD FOR YOU :D

[Tim Simmons]

Just wanted to add this comparison to an African scepter with the same black white concept. The Solomon, Malaita Island example as well as a hanging adornment was also used as a scepter.

[Tim Simmons]

Machismo

[Tim Simmons]

Just found this blog with great pictures. The Auckland War Memorial Museum looks an excellent visit. The only trouble is that it is on the other side of the world to me. I cannot afford that kind of travel :(

Scroll down.
http://avionroads.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/six-mile-walk-auckland-domain-war.html

[estcrh]

Just found this blog with great pictures. The Auckland War Memorial Museum looks an excellent visit. The only trouble is that it is on the other side of the world to me. I cannot afford that kind of travel :(

Scroll down.
http://avionroads.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/six-mile-walk-auckland-domain-war.html

Tim, here is one for you.

[Tim Simmons]

This one in the Met.

[CharlesS]

Never seen, nor heard, of these before. Most interesting!!!

[Tim Simmons]

more from auction gallery in Brussels. Tres cher.