MYSTERY TOOTHED CLUB

fearn · 24th August 2013, 06:39 PM

I'd disagree, and I'm not even sure it's from Oceania.

As noted in other threads, there are two different ways (Polynesian and Micronesian) to tie on teeth, as far as we can determine. Polynesian, done properly, is to place the tooth in a socket, drill a hole through both tooth and socket, and tie it in. Micronesian (Truk and Kiribati) is to put a thin splint of wood on either side of a row of teeth with drilled holes, and tie the structure together between the teeth. I've never seen a Marshallese shark-tooth club, either.

This mounting method looks like neither of those. Nor does it look badly done, which is normally a sign of a tourist piece.

While it could be Melanesian, I'm going to suggest something off the wall: Sumba in eastern Indonesia. Good ol'd Don Draeger, in Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia, noted that they made clubs of "all imaginable shapes and usually had their business ends imbedded [sic] with shark and sawfish teeth." (p. 196, fig. 154) As usual, his illustration leaves a lot to be desired. I don't think we've had a Sumban club on here before, but I wonder if that's what we've got here?

F

24th August 2013, 06:39 PM	#1
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	I'd disagree, and I'm not even sure it's from Oceania. As noted in other threads, there are two different ways (Polynesian and Micronesian) to tie on teeth, as far as we can determine. Polynesian, done properly, is to place the tooth in a socket, drill a hole through both tooth and socket, and tie it in. Micronesian (Truk and Kiribati) is to put a thin splint of wood on either side of a row of teeth with drilled holes, and tie the structure together between the teeth. I've never seen a Marshallese shark-tooth club, either. This mounting method looks like neither of those. Nor does it look badly done, which is normally a sign of a tourist piece. While it could be Melanesian, I'm going to suggest something off the wall: Sumba in eastern Indonesia. Good ol'd Don Draeger, in Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia, noted that they made clubs of "all imaginable shapes and usually had their business ends imbedded [sic] with shark and sawfish teeth." (p. 196, fig. 154) As usual, his illustration leaves a lot to be desired. I don't think we've had a Sumban club on here before, but I wonder if that's what we've got here? F