Club (Supi or Supe)
ClassificationsArms and Armor-clubs
Dateearly to mid 20th Century
Made AtMalaita Province, Solomon Islands
Collection SiteMalaita Province, Solomon Islands
MediumWood
Dimensions38 × 7 1/4 × 2 in. (96.5 × 18.4 × 5.1 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2017.10.110
DescriptionDue to their unique lozenge shape, supe or supi clubs are one of the most widely-recognized club forms from Malaita Island. They have also been found on Maramasike Island as well as other islands within the southeastern Solomons. The club’s primary function was as a weapon. It is surmised that the shape of the clubs has sexual significance. As such, men of the Kwaio culture were not allowed to carry these types of clubs when they are participating in courtship rituals.Supe club handles are frequently wrapped with plant fiber and sometimes adorned with shell rings. One can see evidence of where this club's wrapping once was in the worn patina around the handle.
On View
Not on view
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
19th Century
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
19th Century
19th Century
mid 19th to early 20th Century
late 19th Century
20th Century