Yes, Tim, you made the right choice. The tradition in those cultures may be to replace as needed, but for us, far removed in place and time, that is highly problematic. The effort would not be credible unless the same materials of the right dimension are installed with precisely the same technique and effect. From your photos, you seem to have an example with intact wrapping, so what's the point? The club with the mostly-missing covering has a pleasing patina from handling so it's understandable why the fiber wrap isn't anywhere near perfect condition. Better to stabilize what's there so it doesn't deteriorate further, avoid excessive hand contact in the area, and enjoy it just the way it is.
You might want to try some of the neutral, acid-free pastes that bookbinders use in their restoration jobs to anchor the loose ends in place so they don't unravel any further.
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