A Finely Carved Fijian Ula Throwing Club with TavaTava Head

This remarkable tribal Fijian Ula Throwing Club offers a striking variation on the traditional lobed head design, distinguished by its deeply carved, radiating leaf-like motifs. Where the earlier lobed example emphasises rounded forms, this club showcases sharper, more dynamic carving that accentuates the natural symmetry of the hardwood and reveals the masterful skill of its maker.

Origin: Fiji
Date: Circa 1750–1800
Material: Hardwood
Dimensions: Height: 42 cm (16.5 ins) | Diameter: 8 cm (3.15 ins)

Notable Features

• Carved Head Design
  Unlike the rounded, lobed club, this example displays a bold, almost floral or feathered carving radiating outward from the central dome. The result is a dramatic silhouette, blending symbolic elegance with lethal functionality.

• Handle Decoration
  The handle features intricate zig-zag and linear incisions, similar to the earlier lobed ula, providing a textured grip while contributing to its aesthetic appeal.

• Patina & Condition
  The club exhibits an excellent, rich reddish-brown patina, acquired through age and handling. Minor wear underscores its authenticity and long history.
  

Collecting Value

• Represents a rarer carved-head variation, contrasting with more common rounded lobes.

• Comparable examples are preserved in museum collections worldwide, attesting to their significance as both weapons and ethnographic art.

• Its refined detailing and superb patina make it a highly desirable piece for collectors of Oceanic weaponry.