Ulas like club

Tim Simmons · 18th October 2011, 07:07 PM

I have this coming and only have the one picture. Sold as a Fijian Ulas? I am not an expert but I do not think it is an Ulas. It is 49cm long, rather long for Ulas? Something about it makes me think of the New Hebrides? I do not think is is from the Solomons. I have illustrations of short clubs from the New Hebrides around 59cm.

VANDOO · 18th October 2011, 07:46 PM

I HAVE SEEN SOMETHING SIMULAR ATTRIBUTED TO TONGA IF IT IS LARGER THAN YOU EXPECT IT TO BE PERHAPS THAT IS WHERE ITS FROM. THE ONES I HAVE SEEN WERE LARGE FOR A THROWING CLUB AND DID HAVE THE PROTUSIAN IN THE CENTER OF THE HEAD (SOMETHING NOT SEEN ON ULA CLUBS PURELY OF FIJI ORIGIN.) I HAVE ONE BUT IT IS RECENT AND LIKELY MORE DECORATIVE IN FUNCTION AS IT WOULD TAKE A VERY LARGE HAND TO WIELD IT. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR OBSERVATIONS WHEN YOU HAVE IT IN HAND.

Tim Simmons · 25th October 2011, 09:06 PM

Barry I do not think this is a"Kolo" club from Tonga. It is large heavy mace 1076g, only 70g less than the big Kanak club shown next to it. Looking at the finish, a shade darker at present, than the first picture after a light application of olive oil to feed the wood. I feel certian that is it either Solomon Island or what I favour the most the New Hebrides. I must add very pleased with it.

VANDOO · 26th October 2011, 01:14 AM

THE BETTER PICTURES SHOW HOW NICE IT REALLY IS AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT WOULD FEEL GOOD IN THE HAND. THE WORKMANSHIP AND WOOD USED DOSEN'T STRIKE ME AS TONGAN EITHER ,YOU ARE PROBABLY RIGHT AS TO ITS ORIGINS.
THE OTHER CLUB IS ONE TO MAKE YOUR MOUTH WATER I HAVE SEEN A FEW BUT NEVER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AQUIRE ONE. CONGRADULATIONS ON TWO TREASURES.

Atlantia · 26th October 2011, 04:38 PM

That is a mighty fine couple O sticks ya got there matey!

The pumpkin headed one actually reminds me of those oversized metal Chinese maces.

colin henshaw · 29th October 2011, 10:10 AM

The club on the right is a genuine old piece from New Caledonia. However, the other one looks like a modern production - mixture of styles with visible knife and file marks.

Tim Simmons · 29th October 2011, 12:50 PM

I can see how one might form that view. All these which I think are New Hebrides origin, and many others I have display work with some metal tools. This is not unexpected in the latter half of the 19th century. Many forms of commerce were active like the sandle wood trade. I cannot believe any native turning their nose up at the offer of a file, rasp or saw, after all to obtain a tower musket {snider carbine latter} usually meant three years service at a sugar plantation in AUS. Your musket might then have to be handed to your chief, also you need powder and shot all obtained by trade. I do not think these are earlier than the turn of 19th - 20th century.

18th October 2011, 07:07 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Ulas like club I have this coming and only have the one picture. Sold as a Fijian Ulas? I am not an expert but I do not think it is an Ulas. It is 49cm long, rather long for Ulas? Something about it makes me think of the New Hebrides? I do not think is is from the Solomons. I have illustrations of short clubs from the New Hebrides around 59cm. Attached Images

25th October 2011, 09:06 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Barry I do not think this is a"Kolo" club from Tonga. It is large heavy mace 1076g, only 70g less than the big Kanak club shown next to it. Looking at the finish, a shade darker at present, than the first picture after a light application of olive oil to feed the wood. I feel certian that is it either Solomon Island or what I favour the most the New Hebrides. I must add very pleased with it. Attached Images

29th October 2011, 12:50 PM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	I can see how one might form that view. All these which I think are New Hebrides origin, and many others I have display work with some metal tools. This is not unexpected in the latter half of the 19th century. Many forms of commerce were active like the sandle wood trade. I cannot believe any native turning their nose up at the offer of a file, rasp or saw, after all to obtain a tower musket {snider carbine latter} usually meant three years service at a sugar plantation in AUS. Your musket might then have to be handed to your chief, also you need powder and shot all obtained by trade. I do not think these are earlier than the turn of 19th - 20th century. Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 29th October 2011 at 04:36 PM.

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18th October 2011, 07:46 PM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	I HAVE SEEN SOMETHING SIMULAR ATTRIBUTED TO TONGA IF IT IS LARGER THAN YOU EXPECT IT TO BE PERHAPS THAT IS WHERE ITS FROM. THE ONES I HAVE SEEN WERE LARGE FOR A THROWING CLUB AND DID HAVE THE PROTUSIAN IN THE CENTER OF THE HEAD (SOMETHING NOT SEEN ON ULA CLUBS PURELY OF FIJI ORIGIN.) I HAVE ONE BUT IT IS RECENT AND LIKELY MORE DECORATIVE IN FUNCTION AS IT WOULD TAKE A VERY LARGE HAND TO WIELD IT. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR OBSERVATIONS WHEN YOU HAVE IT IN HAND.

26th October 2011, 01:14 AM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	THE BETTER PICTURES SHOW HOW NICE IT REALLY IS AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT WOULD FEEL GOOD IN THE HAND. THE WORKMANSHIP AND WOOD USED DOSEN'T STRIKE ME AS TONGAN EITHER ,YOU ARE PROBABLY RIGHT AS TO ITS ORIGINS. THE OTHER CLUB IS ONE TO MAKE YOUR MOUTH WATER I HAVE SEEN A FEW BUT NEVER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AQUIRE ONE. CONGRADULATIONS ON TWO TREASURES.

26th October 2011, 04:38 PM	#5
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	That is a mighty fine couple O sticks ya got there matey! The pumpkin headed one actually reminds me of those oversized metal Chinese maces.

29th October 2011, 10:10 AM	#6
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	The club on the right is a genuine old piece from New Caledonia. However, the other one looks like a modern production - mixture of styles with visible knife and file marks.