Solomon, Hawaiian or????

[Gavin Nugent]

Thank you for the most informative post Vandoo.
When I first saw this available, my initial reactions were New Guinea but only in so far as designs I am familiar with on many large shields from the mid 20th century. Once in hand and only then did Solomons ring true with me, the desgin element however still has me pondering. The design is by full inspection as old to me as the club itself and despite the 'simple' design it has been done by expert hands in my eyes as each and every stroke that has cut in to the timber has been done with one consistant fluid motion as there is no clear evidence of stop start stop start to the lower surfaces....I guess carving is like splitting timber, easier to do when it is fresh and green.
Another pointer I thought is the timber type and colour too, a type ususally seen in these regions, not a big clue, just a pointer.
I always enjoy a good mystery.

Gav