African or oceanian wood club ? Head-face Help please

[Tim Simmons]

Just remembered in amongst all my junk I have this example which I believe is from the Gabon Fang people. Features remind me and have similarity to Fang reliquary boxe figures. 53cm long, possibly a throwing club/mace especially when seen next to a Solomon Island/Vanuatu throwing club. Has some similarity to the thread starter??

[Almonzo]

Thank you very much !

I put two other pictures of the one I have and another club said to be from Tanzania.

Difficult to find really simiar models.

[Tim Simmons]

I think unless one really has proof of origin, this is when you just central African.

[Ian]

The original question posted here was whether the original post was African or Oceanic. The replies have focused on Africa, and quite appropriately. There is however, a somewhat similar style of club from the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. These are uncommon clubs and favored by Oceanic club collectors for their fine carving. The club is called an u'u war club. Nice examples often sell for more than $1,000.

Attached are pics of such an example that sold recently at auction. It is in very good condition and the carving on each side is the same--you have to look closely to see that the pictures are actually of two different sides. Good Oceanic clubs are often works of art, and this club is no exception.
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