MOST DESIRED OCEANIC WAR CLUBS: 2 COOK ISLANDS

[kronckew]

ref. link: Poo Rapa thread with a few more pics.

POO RAPA short club, attributed to Rarotonga, Cook islands:

looks like a traditional form as in the posts above. does not appear to be very old. listed as 'vintage' circa mid 20th c.

13.75 in long 5.5 in. across the blade 5/8in. thick. hardwood.

it weighs 260 grams (0.57 lb or 9.17 oz.)

the serrated 'edge' is sharp all the way around. there is some very slight wear on the short edge, leading me to think it has been used, and that it is used like an axe, and by thrusting like a maori patu. there is a very small chip off the rounded exterior 'corner' of the short edge. the grip is not uncomfortable, the serrations add to keeping a secure grip. not sure if it would remain comfortable with sustained use, but i doubt a combat with it would last long, win or lose.

there are parallel scratches transverse and longitudinal that appear to be from sanding with, er...sand. it has an lightly varnished but matt surface. could be an oil finish.

the holes are all the same, about 1/8 in. & look like they are from a modern twist drill. one hole had a small seed husk in it, but no seed. overall, some slight dings from handling.

the coconut fibre hanging loop is braided & looks old. it has a much thinner tan cotton loop added that appears to have once been attached to a, sadly now missing, label tag that may have had more info.