Massive War Club - Vanikau - Fiji

A fine condition late 19th Century South Sea Islands Fijian Vunikau or Waka, 2 handed heavy club that was the weapon of choice for the fierce inhabitants of Fiji.

It is made of a single piece of wood, with a straight shaft, finishing in a knurled ball forming the head. The shaft has engraved decoration at the bottom end which also acts as a grip for the hands. The wood has the shiny patina of age, with a couple of stress cracks on the shaft. It is surprisingly heavy and would require a strong person to wield it.

Carefully selected heavy hardwood sapplings were chosen utilising the natural mace like properties of the thick buttress root, which was carved to form a lobed head. It was primarily designed and used for smashing skulls which it achieved with ease when wielded by an experienced warrior. The different communities and tribes which existed on the small islands were in a seemingly constant state of savage warfare with one another, some even practising human cannibalism. Killing an enemy with a club,by smashing the skull, brought more prestige to a warrior than by any other method.

Many Fijian clubs found their way to England during the 19th Century as exotic souvenirs from encounters with the islanders both violent and acquired in trade. Because of their origin and rarity, these items have become extremely desirable.

Ex J.Y Coué collection France

Size: 110 x 12 cm
Weight: 2300 g