Club

ClassificationsArms and Armor-clubs

Date20th Century

Made AtMalampa Province, Vanuatu

MediumWood

Dimensions29 1/8 × 2 11/16 × 2 1/2 in. (74 × 6.8 × 6.4 cm)

Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase

Object number2014.25.2

DescriptionClubs were very commonly found and used throughout Vanuatu. Clubs were constructed to be strong and durable and with warfare in mind. In particular, heavy headed clubs such as this one were used to strike fatal or significant blows towards enemies. Clubs from Ambrym Island have been noted to generally be shaped in conical forms and to have slings. In particular, the four-knobbed club is said to have originated in this area. Clubs were often considered to be heirloom items and were passed down to men throughout generations. Scholars have posited that the manufacture of these clubs has almost if not entirely ceased.

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