Club

ClassificationsArms and Armor-clubs

Datemid 19th - early 20th Century

Made AtVanuatu

Collection SiteSydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australia

MediumWood

Dimensions38 × 2 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (96.5 × 6.4 × 3.8 cm)

Credit LineThe George Stanley Lodin Collection

Object number2015.17.71

DescriptionClubs from Vanuatu primarily functioned as weapons. Because of its construction from heavy hardwood and its heavy head, this club served as an effective weapon. Its weight and shape would allow its owner to inflict a fatal or significant blow upon an opponent. While specific types of clubs are attributed to the specific islands of Vanuatu, the demand for such clubs within the European collector market of the 19th Century coupled with a decline in workmanship greatly confused and continues to confound club attributions. This particular club has the conical knob mounted on a circular shape at its base that is typical of Epi Island, but also possesses the mushroom shaped and lobed club head that is found on many clubs throughout Vanuatu.

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