Ulas? Oceanic teaser

Tim Simmons · 21st January 2021, 04:39 PM

Thank you for your reply. I am in two minds and Fiji is still to my experience the main contender for origin as there is a prunus genus native to Fiji

http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/ur...mes:30003057-2

However there are atypical aspects that could question Fiji. Inlay of bone, shell or teeth are common but not the octagonal shape? also the bark still on the stick. Also I could see a Japanese aesthetic ? in this piece .

AndreasM · 21st January 2021, 05:02 PM

As a curator of Japanese art I can tell you that there are no clubs of this shape or form in East Asia and certainly not in Japan.

Tim Simmons · 21st January 2021, 05:22 PM

Geometric shape inlay is common but have never seen an octagon.

Tim Simmons · 21st January 2021, 05:43 PM

Okay I think I have solved the origin. Looking over this again I saw some white bits stuck deep inside one of the root cracks. Frist I though bits of foam packaging then insect remains then rice but with magnification they turn out to be one circular pearl shell disc bead and a broken sort of barrel shape bead. I think most unlikely to be anything else than Fijian Ulas.

RAMBA · 21st January 2021, 07:19 PM

It is a nice piece. Lovely rich color to it and the new discovery of the shell bits in the root is nice. I have only just ventured into the world of Fijian clubs. I recently bought a 1st edition copy of Fijian Weapons & Warfare by Fergus Clunie. There has been a proliferation of altered clubs on the market recently with new inlay intended to deceive. I don't know enough here.

I have also recently purchased this club. While it was attributed to being Samoan it has a striking resemblance to club j in Fig. 20 of Clunie's book. I'm also wondering if the wood in Sandalwood. It has a nice age and patina to it. It certainly is a throwing club for point impact. The point is rounded and flat from such use.

Tim Simmons · 21st January 2021, 07:55 PM

Remarkably similar to the illustration. Sure that is a weapon and the shape would make a good throwing weapon. My piece is more like a baton you could whack somebody with it like close quarter stick fighting but not really a throwing weapon. I did have a few large Fijian clubs but sold them and much of my collection. I am always on the lookout but not prepared to spend the money I used to so I am very pleased with this piece. To build another collection you realise how much work went into the first one.

RAMBA · 21st January 2021, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Remarkably similar to the illustration. Sure that is a weapon and the shape would make a good throwing weapon. My piece is more like a baton you could whack somebody with it like close quarter stick fighting but not really a throwing weapon. I did have a few large Fijian clubs but sold them and much of my collection. I am always on the lookout but not prepared to spend the money I used to so I am very pleased with this piece. To build another collection you realise how much work went into the first one.

I ran into a fellow collector of arms etc and we were at an auction recently. We were discussing some of the clubs and other tribal weapons and he said 40 years ago he could by them for nothing compared to today's prices.

sabertasche · 22nd January 2021, 12:30 AM

Here's mine, it's very old - at least 15 years old! ...because that's how long I've owned it

21st January 2021, 04:39 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,783	Thank you for your reply. I am in two minds and Fiji is still to my experience the main contender for origin as there is a prunus genus native to Fiji http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/ur...mes:30003057-2 However there are atypical aspects that could question Fiji. Inlay of bone, shell or teeth are common but not the octagonal shape? also the bark still on the stick. Also I could see a Japanese aesthetic ? in this piece . Last edited by Tim Simmons; 21st January 2021 at 05:07 PM.

21st January 2021, 05:43 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,783	Ulas Okay I think I have solved the origin. Looking over this again I saw some white bits stuck deep inside one of the root cracks. Frist I though bits of foam packaging then insect remains then rice but with magnification they turn out to be one circular pearl shell disc bead and a broken sort of barrel shape bead. I think most unlikely to be anything else than Fijian Ulas. Attached Images

21st January 2021, 07:19 PM	#5
RAMBA Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Posts: 98	It is a nice piece. Lovely rich color to it and the new discovery of the shell bits in the root is nice. I have only just ventured into the world of Fijian clubs. I recently bought a 1st edition copy of Fijian Weapons & Warfare by Fergus Clunie. There has been a proliferation of altered clubs on the market recently with new inlay intended to deceive. I don't know enough here. I have also recently purchased this club. While it was attributed to being Samoan it has a striking resemblance to club j in Fig. 20 of Clunie's book. I'm also wondering if the wood in Sandalwood. It has a nice age and patina to it. It certainly is a throwing club for point impact. The point is rounded and flat from such use. Attached Images Last edited by RAMBA; 21st January 2021 at 09:17 PM.

22nd January 2021, 12:30 AM	#8
sabertasche Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 149	Here's mine, it's very old - at least 15 years old! ...because that's how long I've owned it Attached Images

21st January 2021, 05:02 PM	#2
AndreasM Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 9	As a curator of Japanese art I can tell you that there are no clubs of this shape or form in East Asia and certainly not in Japan.

21st January 2021, 05:22 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,783	Geometric shape inlay is common but have never seen an octagon.

21st January 2021, 07:55 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,783	Remarkably similar to the illustration. Sure that is a weapon and the shape would make a good throwing weapon. My piece is more like a baton you could whack somebody with it like close quarter stick fighting but not really a throwing weapon. I did have a few large Fijian clubs but sold them and much of my collection. I am always on the lookout but not prepared to spend the money I used to so I am very pleased with this piece. To build another collection you realise how much work went into the first one.