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Old 27th September 2017, 09:05 PM   #1
apolaki
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Default A pronged wooden weapon?

Does anyone have an idea what this could be? It's quite heavy and looks fierce! Thanks for any leads.
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Old 27th September 2017, 09:23 PM   #2
shayde78
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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.
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Old 27th September 2017, 09:59 PM   #3
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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.
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Old 27th September 2017, 10:16 PM   #4
Sajen
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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
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Old 4th October 2017, 07:18 PM   #5
David
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Might i suggest that since this is an eating implement, not a weapon, that this thread be moved to the Miscellania Forum?
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Old 4th October 2017, 08:17 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David
Might i suggest that since this is an eating implement, not a weapon, that this thread be moved to the Miscellania Forum?
Hi David,

certainly yes!
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