Tongan Decorated Club
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TitleTongan Decorated Club
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LocationTonga
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Datecirca 19th century
- Size99cm (L) x 13cm (W)
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Price$2,300.00
Tongan club
It was the simple nail, which came into the hands of the Tongan carvers from Cook’s ship in 1773 that brought about a remarkable change in the surface decoration of clubs from this period onwards. As distinct to partially carved clubs seen in pre contact, post contact clubs were elaborately decorated, some including inlay. Steel allowed a high level of detail that could not be easily achieved with stone, bone or shark teeth.
This club is carved on both sides with very fine classical zigzag design, referred to as ‘rat’s tooth’ motif. Tongan carvers were also fond of dividing the surface decoration into quadrangular compartments of design elements like on this club.
Club includes custom metal stand
Tongan club
It was the simple nail, which came into the hands of the Tongan carvers from Cook’s ship in 1773 that brought about a remarkable change in the surface decoration of clubs from this period onwards. As distinct to partially carved clubs seen in pre contact, post contact clubs were elaborately decorated, some including inlay. Steel allowed a high level of detail that could not be easily achieved with stone, bone or shark teeth.
This club is carved on both sides with very fine classical zigzag design, referred to as ‘rat’s tooth’ motif. Tongan carvers were also fond of dividing the surface decoration into quadrangular compartments of design elements like on this club.
Club includes custom metal stand
