![]() |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 160
|
![]()
Does anyone have an idea what this could be? It's quite heavy and looks fierce! Thanks for any leads.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 444
|
![]()
The carving looks Fijian, but I've never seen the end split like that on a Fijian club/ula. It does look intentionally split, but I am not familiar with that form.
It almost looks like a stylized squid shape. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 444
|
![]()
So I found a similar styled item called a 'cannibal fork'. Thoughts?
Here is a description (from http://www.weirduniverse.net/blog/co...annibal_forks/ ): The cannibal fork, or iculanibokola, was used by attendants during ritual feasts to feed individuals considered too holy to touch food. These forks arose for several reasons. First is a cultural taboo that prohibits chiefs and priests from touching food with their hands. Common Fijians generally did not use utensils until Europeanization. One of the most important ceremonies a chieftain participated in was the devouring of their or the tribes enemy. Combining the significance of the event and the inability to use their hands the chiefs needed a way to participate-hence the development of the cannibal fork. Forks became a way to show power and influence. The fancier more elaborate the fork, the higher status the owner had. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,716
|
![]()
Yes, it is a so called "canibal fork" from Fiji. But I doubt that it is an antique one, the real antique ones are extreme expensive.
Picture examples taken from the net, don't know if this are antique examples. Regards, Detlef |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 7,088
|
![]()
Might i suggest that since this is an eating implement, not a weapon, that this thread be moved to the Miscellania Forum?
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 | |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,716
|
![]() Quote:
certainly yes! ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|