Ulas? Oceanic teaser

Tim Simmons · 4th November 2021, 03:36 PM

I have already suggested that this may not be Fijian. I have never known MOP to change colour with age. Your opinion has been noted and as a fairly long time collector of oceanic material you must have seen it all and know all there is to know.

Tim Simmons · 7th November 2021, 06:58 PM

Wanting to explore the idea that the yellowing of MOP and the style of application is a strong or even good way for self experienced collectors to be sure of authenticating the age and origin of oceanic material. The use of MOP is used extensively through out western and eastern pacific islands. Here are two examples of material from Samoa sourced from the online data base of Berlin Ethnographic Museum 9270 items and that is just a sample.

Now to my piece, when seen next to this African horn and ivory baton. I no longer think, and fairly obviously so, it is not an Ulas from Fiji. It could be from many other Islands. Alas a similar item cannot be found in a publication, bibles for collectors . So the function is open to speculation. However bâton de commandement are a global phenomenon and are most often of the size shown, again speculation. Dance and other cultural activities also involve accoutrement. Dance sticks and wands are well documented. As so much in live the big boss does not carry a big stick that is for low classes. Anyway the pictures tell a thousand words.

Tim Simmons · 8th November 2021, 06:08 PM

Big man stick.

4th November 2021, 03:36 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	I have already suggested that this may not be Fijian. I have never known MOP to change colour with age. Your opinion has been noted and as a fairly long time collector of oceanic material you must have seen it all and know all there is to know. Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 4th November 2021 at 04:07 PM.

7th November 2021, 06:58 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Wanting to explore the idea that the yellowing of MOP and the style of application is a strong or even good way for self experienced collectors to be sure of authenticating the age and origin of oceanic material. The use of MOP is used extensively through out western and eastern pacific islands. Here are two examples of material from Samoa sourced from the online data base of Berlin Ethnographic Museum 9270 items and that is just a sample. Now to my piece, when seen next to this African horn and ivory baton. I no longer think, and fairly obviously so, it is not an Ulas from Fiji. It could be from many other Islands. Alas a similar item cannot be found in a publication, bibles for collectors . So the function is open to speculation. However bâton de commandement are a global phenomenon and are most often of the size shown, again speculation. Dance and other cultural activities also involve accoutrement. Dance sticks and wands are well documented. As so much in live the big boss does not carry a big stick that is for low classes. Anyway the pictures tell a thousand words. Attached Images

8th November 2021, 06:08 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Big man stick. Attached Images