oceanic club? what's it?

[Tim Simmons]

I think this comparison to a heavy red oak bokken is interesting. Martial "Arts" fans will see that the techniques must be broadly similar except we do not know of any Fijian schools or baggage as in Japan. The Melanesian clubs have the spike which also makes the action staff like rather than just sword base. The Solomon island club is perhaps slower being a little top heavy, a bit like swinging a wood axe if held with hands near the spike end.

[fearn]

I still don't think it's Fijian. It's probably from further west.

[Tim Simmons]

I agree.

[Gavin Nugent]

Tim,

Based on the image alone found on page 117 of Steven Hoopers Pacific encounters, this appears to be of possible Hawaiian Islands origins.

Gav

[Tim Simmons]

Gav, thanks for bring this into discussion again. Interesting observation but I do not think we are looking at the same type of weapon.

The item was covered in a thick coating of yellowed old varnish. Which even in real live did make the object look rather unpromising and as you may recall, the auction house's online picture really did not help either. I had removed the varnish before starting this thread. There were traces of lime in the decoration carved into the hexagonal boss, sadly I could not remove the varnish and keep the lime remnants so I have added some lime seen as in these pictures {still a little too white} I have to say now as Fern suggested, it really does look like something from further west the New Hebrides, Solomons, Bismark archipelago. As to the spear idea, you can see the point is not made in a manner suitable for throwing penetration more a concentration crushing point the barbs just help in a glancing blow. The weight of the stick is 1166g with no evidence of taper on what might be thought of as a spear. So add another 1.5m or there about's and you would a very ungainly spear. I have included the page from the book mentioned for those who do not have it. The text says quite a lot about the nature of the object.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Gav, thanks for bring this into discussion again. Interesting observation but I do not think we are looking at the same type of weapon.

The item was covered in a thick coating of yellowed old varnish. Which even in real live did make the object look rather unpromising and as you may recall, the auction house's online picture really did not help either. I had removed the varnish before starting this thread. There were traces of lime in the decoration carved into the hexagonal boss, sadly I could not remove the varnish and keep the lime remnants so I have added some lime seen as in these pictures {still a little too white} I have to say now as Fern suggested, it really does look like something from further west the New Hebrides, Solomons, Bismark archipelago. As to the spear idea, you can see the point is not made in a manner suitable for throwing penetration more a concentration crushing point the barbs just help in a glancing blow. The weight of the stick is 1166g with no evidence of taper on what might be thought of as a spear. So add another 1.5m or there about's and you would a very ungainly spear. I have included the page from the book mentioned for those who do not have it. The text says quite a lot about the nature of the object.

I agree, not the same type of weapon but of the type, it can offer clearer direction for looking.

Gav

[fearn]

Classic case of foot in mouth disease. The illustrations of spears from Samoa look just like this. I've struck out trying to find a live version of one of those, but that's my bet. Meant east, said west, call me an ijit.

Best,

F