Back in the game. Vanuatu Club

[Tim Simmons]

Back in the game after a long absents with this early 20th century Vanuatu {possible Solomon islands} club. Listed on a well known auction site as a rather fancy named Tongan club. Of all the fortune hunting priced pieces listed, this was worth buying.

[Tim Simmons]

This is rather funny. I think the chap here needs a glass of water to cool off a little. Strange South American inspired Tongan idea.:confused:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aSW1bj2MUo

[Tim Simmons]

Solomon Islands.

[colin henshaw]

Agree Solomon Islands, as it has the shallow diamond section blade and that type of pointed butt finial. What are the dimensions ? Heavy or lighter wood ?

[Tim Simmons]

I might be rocking the boat but I am having second thoughts about a Solomon Island origination for this club. It has been troubling me for some time. I have had many Solomon island clubs and this piece is just a bit different. The wood is not usual, hard light weight compared to even small S Island clubs. You could strike bludgeon fashion with it but I am not certain that is the main function, as with most S island clubs. To my mind it is more of a short close combat stabbing fighting stick. I am suggesting unless members can show clearly a Solomon Island origin. That this {an older piece} and the more recent decorated versions one can see at times on a well known auction site recently collected by US service people. Is a Micronesian Bwang fighting stick. In the link you can see similar forms of around the same length and the weight to me would be just right for this form of marshal art/combat. If any member can elaborate please do. I might need to add more pictures to explore my suggestion.
https://micronesica.org/sites/default/files/bwang_a_martial_art_of_the_caroine_islands_microne sica_vo_14_no._2_dec.1978-3.pdf