The sennit-wrapped wooden bats are modeled on the three-sided Samoan war club called the "lapalapa," which are based on the stalk of coconut fronds. Bats are shaped to individual players' likings and can be over a meter long; because the striking surface of the bat is converse (just as the "lapalapa" club and the coconut frond stalk), the path of a hit ball is extremely hard to predict. Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilikiti
The O'le Kilikiti Pate you have has not only evolved from a war club - it is quite possible that is served a dual purpose.
The age of it indicates a period (late 19th early 20th century) where Samoans have tended to prefer firearms and imported blade Nifo'Oti over their own locally made clubs.
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Originally Posted by Ron Anderson
Now that the mystery has been solved, I'm sure the thread will dwindle to a close.
I'd like to make a passing comment on this because, though initially a little disappointed on the discovery, I'm actually now quite thrilled to possess this item.
You could write an entire thesis on this club – on the relationship between sport and war. The trobiand island cricketers are a far more famous example of how disputes that once would have meant war are resolved through the island's unique adaptation of cricket.
It strikes me this is another example. Cricket was introduced into Samoa by missionaries. This club - though I don't know how old it is – could be a very early specimen of the type. It is stone cut. At least, it wasn't fashioned with modern tools and there is no evidence of a rasp on it, or anything of that nature. It's fascinating how how well it is made for the purpose. it is a great example of function over form. And yet it follows in the proud tradition of pole clubs of the region. It's a war club adapted to the purpose of cricket.
As I mentioned earlier, it is incredible light and well balanced – and now we know why. It's also now clear why the ornamentation is minimal. The patination is also self-explanatory now, as it's clear that this item was made to hit a ball and the wear reflects this.
I wax lyrical on this, which might seem odd, but I guess this sort of thing appeals to the academic in me. It is a wonderful illustration of the collision of two cultures.
At that, I'll let the matter rest. (Though of course feel free to add whatever comments you wish).
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