Club (Supi or Supe)

ClassificationsArms and Armor-clubs

Date20th Century

Made AtMalaita Province, Solomon Islands

MediumWood

Dimensions27 3/4 × 5 3/4 × 1 1/4 in. (70.5 × 14.6 × 3.2 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2019.2.10

DescriptionDue to their unique lozenge shape, supe or supi clubs are one of the most widely-recognized club forms form 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 clubs frequently have a lower portion that is wrapped with fiber and some have shell rings around the top edge of this wrapping. Evidence of the wrapping can be seen in the worn patina around the handle.

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