Club

ClassificationsArms and Armor-clubs

Date19th Century

Made AtVanuatu

MediumWood

Dimensions41 1/8 × 3 3/8 × 3 7/8 in. (104.5 × 8.6 × 9.8 cm)

Credit LineGift of Edward M. Smith

Object number97.121.11

DescriptionWar clubs were very common in the islands that make up Melanesia, including Vanuatu and New Guinea. Primarily wielded in tribal conflicts, clubs made of heavy wood and occasionally fitted with stone heads were highly effective bludgeoning tools. War clubs had other uses too. They could be employed in agriculture and symbolic war clubs were often created for the sole purpose of being placed beside a deceased warrior as they prepared for the journey into the afterworld. This particular club is from Efate Island in Vanuatu.

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