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Club, 19th to 20th Century
New Caledonia, Melanesia
Wood and pigment; 32 7/16 × 2 3/4 × 1 3/8…
Club
Club, 19th to 20th Century
New Caledonia, Melanesia
Wood and pigment; 32 7/16 × 2 3/4 × 1 3/8…
Club, 19th to 20th Century New Caledonia, Melanesia Wood and pigment; 32 7/16 × 2 3/4 × 1 3/8 in. 97.138.14 Anonymous Gift

Club

ClassificationsArms and Armor-clubs
Culture Kanak
Date19th to 20th Century
MediumWood and pigment
Dimensions32 7/16 × 2 3/4 × 1 3/8 in. (82.4 × 7 × 3.5 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number97.138.14
DescriptionSome of the best known clubs from New Caledonia are those that feature stylized bird heads. While those clubs were used for ceremony and prestige, this example was used for warfare. While specifics of its use are not documented, many resources note warriors and chiefs holding both spears and clubs. This club has a distinctive phallic design. Other war clubs from the area are noted to have mushroom or star shaped heads. It is suggested that clubs such as this could be used ceremonially, specifically for chiefly rites. It was common for clubs to feature designs in a herringbone pattern towards the top of the club. Chunam, a lime-like material from shells and coral, was likely used to color these designs.
On View
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War Club, late 19th Century
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